Lineekela’s classroom dreams for Havana

**Ndapandula Vanyika **

While many Namibian graduates are waiting for a call for a job interview, Oscar Lineekela, a Namibian graduate, has decided to turn his waiting period into a mission to educate the next generation.

Lineekela is a qualified graduate in education at Unam, he has a dream that goes beyond just finding a job for himself. He said he wants to open a small school for children in his area in Windhoek, Havana location.

“I just want a place where vulnerable children who cannot afford expensive private schools or extra lessons can get quality education for free or at a very low cost,” said Lineekela.

Lineekela, who completed his studies but is finding it hard to get a job, says his idea was born out of realities, the high rate of youth unemployment among graduates and the number of children in his community who are left behind because their parents cannot afford early childhood development or after school support.

“I don’t have a job yet, but I am still looking for a job every day. I even drop my CVs and check my emails, but I decided that while I am waiting, I asked myself, what can I do with what I have learned?” said Lineekela.

According to Lineekela, his vision is simple but powerful, he said he wants to convert a small place, whether it is a garage, shack, or a donated room, into a learning centre where children can come to learn how to read, write and do basic mathematics and get help with their homework.

Lineekela said he believes that education is the only key, and he grew up seeing how children in informal settlements and low-income areas struggle to get education. He said many children are left at home while parents look for jobs, and some are just on the streets.

“I just don’t want to be sitting home and complaining about not being employed, while I have knowledge that I can teach and still give back even though I am not employed,” said Lineekela.

Lineekela said the school he wants to start will focus on early childhood development, after school tutoring for primary school learners, and literacy support for those who are struggling.

He said the biggest obstacle standing between him and his dream is the lack of resources. He said he does not have enough income to rent a space, buy chairs, tables, a blackboard, books, stationery or learning materials.

He is now making a heartfelt appeal to all Namibians, individuals, businesses, churches and NGOs, to help him make his dream come true. He said he is not doing this to get rich, adding that even if he gets a job, he will continue to run the school because his passion is to see children learn.

“I need help. I am not asking for money for myself, but I am asking for children. If anyone can help with a space, old books, pencils, a small blackboard or even advice on how to register a small learning centre, I will appreciate it,” said the young man.

Those who wish to help Lineekela make his dream come true, either by donating learning materials, offering space, volunteering to teach or helping him with the process of registering a community-based education initiative, can contact this publication for his contact details.

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