Nestled on the outskirts of Windhoek in the vibrant community of Havana, Etuhole Pre-Primary School and Day Care stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Here, Mee Eunike Iiyambo, a dedicated educator with an unwavering vision, has crafted a safe haven for the children of this community. Inspired by her mother's legacy of community service and her own early experiences in a kindergarten,
Nurturing Bright Futures on the Outskirts of Windhoek
Mee Eunike embarked on a remarkable journey in May 2012 when she founded Etuhole Pre-Primary School and Day Care. Her goal? To break the cycle of despair and offer the children a brighter future through education, love, and care.
Mee Eunike's Inspiring Vision
Mee Eunike's journey was ignited by a deep desire to uplift her community. Her mission was clear: provide a disciplined, peaceful, caring, and stimulating learning environment for orphans and vulnerable children. Above all, she aimed to instil a love for learning in their hearts, bringing warmth and friendliness to their lives.
Challenges Faced by the Children
The children at Etuhole Pre-Primary School and Day Care face myriad challenges that are unjust for their tender years. Many of them lack proper nutrition, hindering their growth and development. In the worst cases, they endure abuse and neglect from their parents, often because they lack proper identification.
Positive Impact and Transformation
Over the years, Mee Eunike and her dedicated team have witnessed remarkable transformations. The number of children living on the streets in their community has dwindled significantly. The children at the school have experienced improvements in their health and overall development. Their presence at the kindergarten is welcomed with nourishing food, love, and genuine care.
Partnership with Gondwana Care Trust
In 2022, Mee Eunike reached out to the Gondwana Care Trust for support. The Trust responded with open hearts, generously donating educational materials, food, computers, furniture, children's clothes, and even a teacher's office. Thanks to the kindness of the public and the Care Trust's contributions, Mee Eunike is making a tangible difference in the lives of her community. Tate Johnny, the husband, is equally approachable. When he collects food items from the Gondwana Warehouse in Windhoek with a busload of children after school, the Warehouse space is immediately filled with joy and genuine happiness. The children all rush to greet "Uncle Felix," who encourages them to assist in loading their boxes into the car. It's truly a delightful moment. – We consistently show our appreciation by offering the children treats for their assistance, underscoring just how deeply they've become a cherished part of our extended family.
Mee Eunike and Tate Johnny Iiyambo
A Bright Future Ahead
The future shines brilliantly for Etuhole Pre-Primary School and Day Care. The vision is to expand the school's infrastructure to accommodate diverse needs, including community development initiatives targeting women, job creation, and the extension of education to include grades one to three. Mee Eunike earnestly urges parents in the community to embrace the opportunity for their children to gain knowledge and experience. She encourages unemployed parents to explore entrepreneurial opportunities that can support their children's education and foster a brighter tomorrow.
The teachers of Etuhole Pre-Primary School and Day Care
Etuhole Pre-Primary School and Day Care, under the dedicated leadership of Mee Eunike Iiyambo, is a shining example of how education, love, and community support can transform lives. It's a testament to the power of vision and determination in bringing about positive change, one child at a time, and one community on the path to a brighter future.
Author: Kyara Leuschner
Photos: Kyara Leuschner
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