Kunene Region – The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) handed over a sponsorship valued at N$100,000 to Ohajiuua (Katorone Tjingee) Primary School on 7 September 2026.
The sponsorship forms part of DBN’s Corporate Social Investment focus on education-related initiatives and will support the construction of a perimeter fence to improve safety and create a more secure environment for learners, teachers and school property.
Established in 2007, Ohajiuua Primary School is located approximately 220 kilometres east of Opuwo, near the Namibia-Angola border. The school was established to serve the Ovatwe and Ovahimba communities following government-led efforts to settle and support families living in remote areas. Since its establishment, the school has expanded to Grade 7 and continues to serve a growing learner population despite infrastructure constraints.
The school has operated without a perimeter fence since its inception. In June 2026, it appointed the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade, Hon. Jenelly Matundu, MP, as its patron. Following her appointment, Hon. Matundu brought the school’s infrastructure challenges, including the need for a perimeter fence, to DBN’s attention.
The sponsorship reflects the Bank’s commitment to advancing inclusive socio-economic development by supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and improve the conditions in which young Namibians learn and grow.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, DBN’s Regional Manager for the Ongwediva Branch, Fillemon Nditya, emphasised the importance of providing learners and teachers with a safe and conducive learning environment.
“The school fence plays an important role in protecting learners, teachers and school property. A properly secured school environment also creates conditions that are more conducive to effective teaching and learning. By investing in these learners, we are investing in the development of their community and the future of Namibia,” Nditya said.
Hon. Matundu welcomed DBN’s support, noting that the sponsorship would address a long-standing need and contribute to the safety and well-being of the school community.
“This contribution is a meaningful response to one of the school’s most pressing infrastructure needs. It will help create a safer environment for learners and teachers, while demonstrating the positive impact that can be achieved when institutions work together to support remote and underserved communities,” Hon. Matundu said.
The sponsorship supports DBN’s commitment to delivering meaningful development impact across Namibia. While the Bank’s primary mandate is to provide development finance for projects and enterprises that promote economic growth, employment creation and national development, DBN recognises that sustainable progress also depends on investing in people and the communities in which they live.
Through its Corporate Social Investment programme, the Bank complements its development finance mandate by supporting initiatives that address community needs, strengthen human capital and help create an enabling environment in which Namibians can thrive. Investment in education is particularly important, as it equips future generations with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to participate meaningfully in the country’s development.
The handover ceremony was attended by representatives of the Kunene Regional Council’s Directorate of Education, the Epupa Constituency, the Kanika Traditional Authority, the school board, school management, teachers, learners, parents and members of the surrounding community.
DBN encouraged the school community to take ownership of the project and ensure that the new infrastructure is properly maintained for the benefit of current and future generations of learners.