The listed building of the Namib High School in Swakopmund, Namibia (former German Secondary School) looks back on a history of more than 100 years full of upheavals and new beginnings in Namibia.
The roof of the school shows serious leaks. The building’s substance is considerably endangered and, due to the defects, it is no longer in a functional condition. Due to the leaks, extensive water damage has occurred, resulting in structural damage and massive mold infestation. The roofing tiles are porous, brittle and contain asbestos. Sustained instructional supply is no longer guaranteed due to the dangers to students and teachers. The school library is no longer usable. Renovation of the roof is therefore imperative.
The Sonnenkinderprojekt submitted an application for financial support for their partner school to the Cultural Preservation Program of the German Foreign Office. This program supports measures that contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage abroad.
There was great joy when the news reached the Sonnenkinderprojekt that a grant of 108,750 Euros had been awarded. In total, the renovation costs amount to 150,000 Euros. Thanks to generous donations, the Sonnenkinderprojekt will be able to finance the remaining sum. Since its foundation in 2003, the Sonnenkinderprojekt has so far invested over 1 million Euros in Namibia. The roof renovation has already begun and is scheduled to be completed by December 15, 2022.
During his visit to Namibia, the chairman of the Sonnenkinderprojekt, Arthur Rohlfing, was invited to the German embassy in Windhoek. He was very pleased when the Permanent Representative of the Embassy in Windhoek, Dr. Andreas Götze informed him of the approval. With the 108,750 Euros, the Sonnenkinderprojekt Namibia e.V. receives the highest amount of funding ever granted by the Federal Republic of Germany to an aid organization in Namibia.
Photo German Embassy Windhoek: Arthur Rohlfing and Dr. Andreas Götze.