Iishanaputa learners forced to defecate in bushes

IISHANAPUTA – When nature calls, learners at Iishanaputa Combined School in the Outapi Circuit resort to nearby bushes to respond. This is all while they grapple with poor sanitation, overcrowded classrooms and a shortage of basic learning resources.

Meanwhile, teachers have been spending their meagre earnings to keep the government school running, New Era has learnt.

The school, which serves more than 700 learners in the Omusati region, has become increasingly dependent on teacher contributions, community support and fundraising efforts to address long-standing infrastructure challenges. Life skills teacher Kandjumbwa Magdalena said the conditions at the school are

discouraging for many learners and affect their ability to concentrate on their studies.

“Some learners have to use nearby bushes because of inadequate sanitation facilities, while teachers rely on pit latrines. These conditions are not suitable for children and can discourage them from attending school regularly,” she said.