NEW SCIENCE LABORATORY BY NAMPOWER TO MOKGANEDI THLABANELO HIGH SCHOOL

Distinguished representatives of NAMPOWER, Ms. Otilie Mujoro, Head of NAMPOWER foundation, honourable invited guests, School board Chairperson, Ms. Jazukuka and the rest of the members, our dedicated teachers, parents, and most importantly, our dear learners:

Today, the 24th of September 2025, marks a very special milestone, not only for Mokganedi Thlabanelo High School, but for the entire region. We are gathered here to receive a generous and life-changing gift from Nampower — a fully equipped science laboratory. On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, the regional office, and the entire school community, I extend our deepest appreciation for this extraordinary gesture of corporate social responsibility. This is not the first time Nampower is investing in Education in our region.

Education is the greatest equalizer, especially for our children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Mokganedi Thlabanelo High School has faced many challenges over the years — among them, poor academic performance. One of the key reasons has been the lack of proper facilities to support effective teaching and learning, particularly in the sciences. With the provision of this new laboratory, that barrier has been removed. Learners here will no longer only read about chemical reactions and physical experiments in textbooks; they will now experience them first-hand.

This donation is not just about renovations of the lab, laundry and equipment provided. It is about investing in the future of Namibia. It is about giving rural children the same opportunities as those in urban centres. It is about inspiring learners to dream bigger, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and ultimately, to contribute to the growth and development of our country.

But let me also remind us: facilities alone do not produce results. This laboratory will only serve its true purpose if we — as teachers, learners, parents, and the community — commit ourselves to using it productively. Teachers, I urge you to integrate this laboratory into your daily teaching. Learners, I encourage you to embrace this opportunity with seriousness, discipline, and determination. Parents and community members, your support and encouragement remain essential in motivating our children to stay focused on their studies.

Nampower has played its part. It is now upon us to ensure that this investment yields academic improvement and contributes to transforming Mokganedi Thlabanelo High School from underperforming to a centre of excellence.

Once again, I thank Nampower for their vision and generosity. May this partnership serve as a shining example to other institutions and companies that together we can uplift our schools, our communities, and ultimately our nation.

Let us as school management and schoolboard, commit ourselves today that this laboratory will not gather dust, but will become a hive of innovation, discovery, and academic excellence.

I thank you.