WINDHOEK, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Situated in the Otjomuise suburb of Windhoek, Namibia's capital, the Chairman Mao Zedong High School stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and a beacon of hope for Namibia's youth. This state-of-the-art institution, built with Chinese aid, is redefining academic standards and shaping the future of students in Namibia.
"We take pride in being part of a school that offers quality teaching and learning," said 15-year-old Kovii Kambai, a grade nine student. Having moved from Rosh Pinah town in southern Namibia last year, Kambai credits the school for his improved academic performance and newfound passion for learning.
Established as a symbol of the strong ties between China and Namibia, the school began enrolling students in 2016, addressing long-standing educational challenges in the region. Principal Ester Kanyanda highlighted its impact, saying that it has not only eased the demand for school placements but also brought education closer to the community.
The school's inaugural intake comprised students initially taught in tents at a temporary structure. Since then, the school has experienced remarkable growth, now employing 28 teachers, up from 20 in 2016, and serving 741 students in grades eight through 12 from across Windhoek, with more than 50 percent of the learners hailing from the local Otjomuise community. To date, more than 3,000 learners have graduated from the school.
"It has spared many learners from walking long distances to access education, reinforcing our commitment to providing quality learning opportunities that empower students to thrive," Kanyanda said.
The school's growth is also evident in its academic achievements in national examinations. In recent years, it has been recognized for surpassing the Khomas regional targets in the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary Level and Advanced Subsidiary examinations.
About 20 percent of its learners advance to universities each year, said Kanyanda, attributing the success to accessible facilities, including a library, computer and science labs, and sports amenities, as well as the support from relevant stakeholders which play a pivotal role in maintaining the school and fostering academic success.
"Supported by the collaborative efforts of the school management and strategic support from stakeholders, including the Chinese Embassy in Namibia, it now stands out as one of the best public schools in terms of infrastructure, with its name opening doors for many learners," she said.
One standout learner is 16-year-old Merijam Nanyemba, who discovered her passion for coding through part-time lessons. Her skills earned her the opportunity to represent the Khomas region at the Codemao standard programming excursion in China earlier this year.
"We learned advanced coding techniques and interacted with Chinese students, which improved our skills," said Nanyemba, describing her visit to Shenzhen, a technology hub in south China, as "a dream come true."
Mandarin classes, offered in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at the University of Namibia, further enrich the curriculum. Each year, the Confucius Institute organizes trips for both learners and teachers, promoting educational and cultural exchange. To date, more than 30 students have traveled to China for language camps and cultural programs, including the Chinese Bridge Winter Camp.
"These opportunities inspire academic growth by broadening their horizons," Kanyanda said. "They realize there is much more to achieve."
The school's impact extends beyond academics. For resident Amanda Qhayiso, it has been a lifeline. After her butchery business closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, selling homemade cakes and sweets to students reignited her entrepreneurial spirit.
"I used to run a butchery business, but it closed down, leaving me without a source of income," she said, noting that her two children also attend the school. "The school allowed me to sell here, and the income I earn now sustains my livelihood and has reignited my passion for business when I had lost all hope."
The school has also been praised for fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
Namibia's Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture Anna Nghipondoka lauded the school as a symbol of strong Sino-Namibian relations. "This is evidence of the strong educational ties between our countries. The Chinese Embassy has played a significant role in maintaining the school and sponsoring scholarships for the top 10 performers annually, with an amount of 20,000 Namibian dollars (around 1,080 U.S. dollars)," said the minister.
Looking ahead, the principal envisions the school becoming a top performer in the Khomas region and beyond.
"We are committed to delivering better education for learners to prosper in the future," Kanyanda said, echoing the school's mission of transforming lives and fostering excellence.
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