ONGWEDIVA - Parents and community members at Onkaanka village in the area of Otamanzi constituency, Omusati region, are disgruntled after the principal of Ndeutala Angolo Primary School allegedly occupied a classroom as her residence.

It is reported that grades 2 and 3 pupils are taught in one classroom, as the head of the school uses the classroom as her home.

According to community members, Betty Munashimwe has been living on the school premises since her employment at the school in July last year.

Due to the lack of accommodation near the school, she was allegedly told to move into the school until she builds a shack.

“Until now,  she is still living there (in the classroom). She was told to reside in one of the classrooms but we don’t understand why learners of different grades have to be taught in one classroom when there was a classroom allocated for them?” asked an angry parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

According to videos and pictures shown to New Era, the principal also uses the school’s material, such as tables, desks and cupboards for her personal use.

In one of the videos, one can see pots and food items packed on what looks like a bookshelf, while the stoves, plates and other kitchen items are placed on desks.

Parents and community members also held a demonstration last month at the school to air their grievances and demand the principal move out of the classroom.

During the demonstration, parents also demanded the principal gives learners their report cards for the first term.

“They have already started with the second term, but they do not know how they performed in the previous term,” said one of the parents.

Some parents also questioned the leadership of Munashimwe, as she is allegedly always absent from work.

“She is barely at school – and sometimes, our children are taught in her office. Our children’s education is at stake, and we are demanding change,” she added.

Munashimwe’s number has been unreachable since Friday.

Although the education inspector of the Otamanzi circuit Andreas Jeremia was apparently present during the demonstration, he told New Era he is not aware the principal sleeps in one of the classrooms, nor did he get such a complaint from the parents.

“I am going to enquire more about that,” he said.

Councillor of Otamanzi constituency Johannes Iiyambo said the situation has been resolved, and Munashimwe now has her accommodation.

“She was told to move out, which she did when school started. And there are also no learners of different grades sharing a classroom. Each grade now has its classroom,” he said.

Contrary to that, a reliable source told this publication that Munashimwe has not been at school since school started, and her belongings are still in the classroom.

-  ashikololo@nepc.com.na