A community conference on the future development of the schools.

On the 9th September 2016, the Ju/‘hoansi Development Fund, (JDF) invited Sanet Steenkamp, Permanent Secretary of Education, to visit the Village Schools and attend a community conference on the future development of the schools.

A field trip highlighted the current conditions of the ‘Village Schools’ and their lack of infrastructure.

The conference was also attended by the Ju’/hoan community, Nyae Nyae Conservancy Management, Ju/‘hoansi Traditional Authorities, Nina Maritz Architects, TUCSIN and the regional directorates of the Ministry of Education under which the schools fall.

The location of the conference was in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy.

The purpose of the conference was to discuss a project proposal put forward by the JDF. The project outlined the development of five new Nyae Nyae Lower Primary Village Schools, and their proposed infrastructure. The JDF also outlined the proposed running of the schools, including staff, emphasis on Ju/‘hoan culture, and transport systems. The presentation was greeted with a round of applause. The only community concern was that out of eight board of directors, four should be Ju/‘hoan and four outsiders, and not three Ju/‘hoan. A fair comment which has been rectified.

Nina Maritz Architects, presented the school design, focusing on the design aspects, with the aid of models. This gave the community a full understanding of the school design, creating a nurturing school environment, and its functionality. Emphasis was put on sustainability, the use of local materials and using local Ju/‘hoan labour. With her insight and architectural experience her presentation was produced with great clarity and was beneficial to both the community and Ministry of Education. She received an overwhelming positive response and applause from the community.