A Woman who started an early childhood development initiative at Otuvero Village near Opuwo with 19 children learning under a tree now runs a fully equipped centre where they can learn and play.
Tjiraakanua Zahungama (36) began the initiative in 2015 without a classroom, chairs or proper learning equipment, using branches of a fallen tree as seating for the children.
Speaking about the beginnings of the initiative, Zahungama says she had no formal training but believed the children deserved an opportunity to learn.
“I started with 19 children under a tree with no formal training myself. We had no classroom, no proper equipment and very little to work with. The children had to sit on branches of fallen trees. But I kept thinking about what these children needed and what they could become if they had an opportunity to learn,” she says.
Zahungama continued the initiative despite the challenges, with support from the community helping sustain the effort over the years.
Looking back at the transformation, she says the centre represents the reason she started the initiative.
“When I look at the centre today, I remember those early days under the tree. We started with so little, but I did not want the children to miss out simply because we lacked resources. To see them now with a proper place to learn and play means a great deal to me. It reminds me why I started,” she says.
The centre was equipped through a partnership between the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), the European Union (EU) and the government, building on the initiative launched by Zahungama and the local community.
During a visit to the centre, EU ambassador Ana-Beatriz Martins highlighted the role of communities in development and the importance of partnerships in supporting local initiatives.
“The story of Otuvero shows us that resilience is not just about enduring difficult circumstances. It is also about having the courage to act, even when resources are limited. Ms Zahungama began with what she had, and her community helped keep that vision alive. Through partnership, we can support such local efforts and help create opportunities that last,” Martins said.
The early childhood development initiative supports children’s language, social and emotional development and helps prepare them for formal schooling.
Unicef representative Samuel Ocran says investing in children and families was important for Namibia’s development.
“Investing in families is investing in children, and investing in children is investing in Namibia’s future. If we want Namibia to develop and prosper, we must ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that families and communities have the support they need to give children that start,” Ocran says.
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