What Happened To Our HighSchool?

[Michael Alexander]

We all know this to an extent, "The Company is building a Highschool"..... and it never happened. I have just heard from a person in Rosh Pinah, that The Mine their intends to put up a private Highschool there, adding a new grade as each year progresses. This is also in part due to the increase in study visas for their employee's children who attend high school in South Africa.

A bird, also informed me that 3 million Namibian Dollars was allocated by CDM/Namdeb back about 14 years ago to build a Highschool here. These funds were never used and thus returned. A highschool here would have created jobs and attracted students to our town. Does anyone else know if these two tales are true? Anything to add?

[Michael Alexander]

Ok...had some more feedback from a reliable source...Yes, They are intending to built a private highschool in Rosh Pinah... and the government is also thinking of a state school...

The mine at Omund Commissioned plans to be drawn up for a high school 14 years ago. The government put 2 million towards this, the site was marked has the area north of the Mule Derby site, all systems were go, then things got added to the original plans, like housing for the teachers... the budget ballooned and when the final proposal went before the board....they were not informed as to why the project had ballooned and thought the funds required weren way to high, without knowing about additional housing that was now included.... and turned down the plan...Government then took back their 2 million and the rest was history.....

[Clive Symes]

Hey Kenny,

Its hard to believe that we had Frankie draw up those high school plans 14 years ago ( seems like just the other day.

[Michael Alexander]

The school , OPS, is being done up quite smart, paint job and new iron fencing around the place, I even saw new play equipment there... i also heard that the school intends to start Grade 8 (Std 6) next year and add on a new standard as each year passes.... I also heard that the school will still be outsourced in the next 2 years.... One hopes that the right people can see the business potential of having such a school with high standards.....

[Clive Symes]

Mike,
Ask Kenny, We've heard it all before, as you said money was allocated & I believe that the Gvt was also going to allocate a similar amount if the process went ahead.
Needless to say, one cannot dangle the carrot for too long before it rots off.

As said if all this was done then you would have had a real going concern by this time. ( but like my dad said IF my aunty had (nuts) she'd be my uncle.

Until someone in charge can make the decision nothing will happen

[Michael Alexander]

Well something is definately on the go at the school.... the place has been spruced up, the rumours are doing the rounds, names of a prominent Dr. in educational circles doing the rounds...... this school does not look like one that is about to downscale.....

[Michael Alexander]

Ok Folks! This is it...... I have now heard this from three very reliable sources.... that N$7 million has been budgeted for Oranjemund to have it's highschool...... I am unsure how this is meant to happen, but I think it is along the lines of introducing an additional higher grade from next year onwards... So things are eventually looking up........ 

[Patricia Lotte]

Ah, daddy Mike will not need to watch his girls go off to boarding school ... what a relief ...

[Bertie Horak]

Something we were all hoping for when I was in OPS.  Looks like my prayers from 35 years ago are finally answered!  Wonderful news!

[Michael Alexander]

@ Patricia ...Now I can put my shotgun away.....   

@ Bertie... yep.... about 35 years toooooo late........ 

I must say, I was at the school on Friday...and it is looking the best That I have ever seen it...... They also employ a permanent gardener and the lawns are looking awesome!   

[SandyB]

All sounds very encouraging .. and yes if it pans out .. a  quality school  in a relatively safe  environment ..  Boarders maybe as well .. ??

[Michael Alexander]

I would expect Boarders ...... it's actually amazing how many South African kids from across the river attend school here..... they have a minibus that brings them in everyday..... now there is a school in Alexbay, but the standards leave a lot to be desired.....