Namib Desert Warriors
The boys are from Ruimte Primary School in the town of Reheboth, about 80kms south of the Namibian capital Windhoek. Rehoboth is a historically disadvantaged community that suffered greatly under initially German colonialism and thereafter the South African regime. Presently the 'Baster' Community under their traditional leader is petitioning the United Nations to assist them to regain control of their ancestral land. The community is mostly from the working class and commute to the capital, Windhoek where 80% of them work. The population is a totally non-white community.
The school was established in 1976 with six teachers and 125 pupils. It now has 25 teachers and 700 pupils. The pupils are from many different ethnic groups – Basters, Couloureds, Nama (San/bushmen) Herero and Oshiwambo. The school fees are £10 per pupil per annum, but more than 50% of the pupils and their families cannot afford the fees. The school has a very strong rugby culture and competes in the national school league but has to date not been very competitive. The teams practice on a sand pitch which is also used for rugby matches and hockey games.
Every other month the school holds fundraising events to raise money for maintenance of the school buildings, text books and stationery. It has also started a feeding programme whereby it provides porridge to approx 100 of the poorest students during first break. In many instances this is the only meal that they may get all day.
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