Through Sr. Ottilie, we were introduced to Fr. Joseph Kunjaparambil, MSFS, Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Keetmanshoop and parish priest, who also serves as the manager of two Catholic primary schools: St. Matthias Primary School and Don Bosco Primary School. In personal conversations, he shared the everyday challenges faced by both schools and their communities. 

Although the Namibian state is legally obliged to support schools run by faith-based organizations, available public funding is often insufficient. As a result, the schools lack even basic resources: many chairs are broken, cleaning supplies are scarce, and essential equipment such as photocopiers is urgently needed.

St. Matthias Primary School (approximately 930 pupils) and Don Bosco Primary School (approximately 755 pupils) belong to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Keetmanshoop. While both schools are operated under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Namibia, they are classified as private institutions and therefore do not receive the same level of subsidies and material support as public schools. This means that the Church must cover large parts of infrastructure maintenance and day-to-day operational needs.

The Ministry does not provide replacement furniture such as tables and chairs, nor does it supply stationery or cleaning materials. Although a small infrastructure maintenance grant is provided, it does not even cover basic upkeep costs. Consequently, additional support from external partners is essential.

The aim of this project is... 

... to support children from low-income families and vulnerable backgrounds, regardless of religious affiliation. Both schools play a vital role in the education of children in Keetmanshoop, yet most parents are unable to contribute financially to school supplies or equipment. The local community has a very low average income, and many families struggle to meet their basic needs. For decades, the Church has supported the community wherever possible, together with people of goodwill.

In addition, Don Bosco Primary School runs a boarding facility that provides accommodation for around 180 children from particularly disadvantaged communities and remote farms.

Together with the foundation "The Life to Share", this project enabled the purchase of approximately 750 chairs, two photocopiers, and essential cleaning materials for both schools. With the cost of one chair at around 10 EUR, the total project volume amounted to approximately 10.000 EUR.