The Soetdoringlaagte nursery school, situated in a poor part of Stampriet has had a complete makeover - thanks to the selfless efforts of several staff members of Kalahari Anib Lodge. The team of eight set aside three days in June to refurbish little chairs and tables and repair the handles of doors and windows. They also built a sandpit and a small field for playing soccer and basketball. The layout of the nursery school’s rooms was rearranged and all the walls were freshly painted in cheerful colours. Grade 11 of Elnatan School in Stampriet helped with the painting job as part of their annual social project.

The renovation effort was coordinated by Dgini Visser, the administration manager of Kalahari Anib Lodge. She also raised funds for the nursery school. Assorted stationary, a chair for the teacher, a CD player and CDs as well as various materials for handicraft classes were presented to the school after renovations had been completed.

Some 30 children go to the Soetdoringlaagte nursery school. They are lovingly cared for and kept busy by Rita Tjitendero. None of them is turned away even if the parents can no longer afford the fee of N$ 10.00 per month (equals about € 1.00). Rita started the nursery school on her own initiative and hopes to be able to enrol in further training at some stage.

The Gondwana Collection took over Kalahari Anib Lodge in 2005 and has since supported various aid projects in the local community, e.g. donations of clothing, toys and blankets for the needy in Stampriet and Mariental. In early June the lodge’s management was asked to hand over 30 learning aids for preschool children to the Soetdoringlaagte nursery school on behalf of Bank Windhoek and the Republikein newspaper. When the management of Kalahari Anib Lodge visited the school they saw that much still needed to be done – and rolled up their sleeves. Smiling little faces are the reward...

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