The |Khomas Regional Council in the capital handed over 71 mattresses, valued at N$50.000 to A. Shipena Secondary School's hostel.

The donation forms part of the |Khomas Regional Council's Winter Safety Net Programme, which aims to provide relief, warmth, and support to vulnerable members of the community during the winter season.

John Pandeni Constituency Councillor Shaalukeni Moonde described the donation as a modest contribution that represents comfort, dignity, and a caring environment for learners.

Moonde added that proper sleeping conditions are crucial for learners' physical health, mental well-being, concentration, and overall academic performance.

He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between the constituency office, the school, parents, community structures, and other stakeholders.

"For learners residing in the hostels, a good-quality mattress is not a luxury. This is an essential part of healthy living and a learning environment after a long day of attending classes, studying and participating in school activities. We need adequate rest and proper sleep. A good mattress provides the comfort and support necessary for quality sleep, which is important for the physical health, mental well-being, concentration and all our academic performance of learners."

A. Shipena Secondary School Principal Moses Haufiku highlighted the positive transformation at the school, noting that the new mattresses will significantly improve the living conditions of hostel learners.

"If you look at the mattresses our kids were sleeping on before and you look at what the kids are going to sleep on. I think this is the definition of perseverance, because despite those kids sleeping on the mattresses like that, academic performance speaks for itself: your academic performance is not being defined by the mattresses that you sleep on."

Learners at A. Shipena Secondary School, Weyulu Ndamononghenda and Erastus Nangolo, also expressed their gratitude.

"This is not just a donation but an investment in the life of an African child for them to live in a comfortable environment where they are able to learn and thrive and work towards their academic performances."

"It literally has just boosted our confidence. It literally just helps us to even more sleep comfortably, not having back pain or whatsoever, and wake up early and fresh to go to school and just do our best for the day."