Kalkfeld Primary School is situated in the tiny hamlet of Kalkfeld, Namibia ­ a district of Otjiwarongo, a small town some 85  kilometres away upon which the village is entirely dependent. Administrative matters, health care beyond the simplest of procedures, regulation of issues pertaining to the water and food supply, work and education: everything requires travel to the city. With no public transportation and a journey of around 170  kilometres through dry, hot bush, Kalkfeld`s residents (90% of whom are unemployed ­ there are no reliable statistics on the number of inhabitants, their age and physical condition) can rarely afford to make the trip. Over the centuries, colonialism and occupation have destroyed much of the country`s natural and cultural context. Because the population speaks a multiplicity of languages and customs vary across the region, communication among groups is also often extremely difficult.
As in all developing countries, change is only possible through a better understanding of local needs and improved communication.
Right now, the 263 pupils and 13 teachers of Kalkfeld Primary School are in search of a partner institution with which to exchange letters in English. For many students,
the school meal (one portion of maize-meal porridge daily) is the only nourishment they can depend on every day.
Donations of paper, notebooks, calculators, pencils, paint, brushes, office supplies of all kinds in large or small quantities are welcome. Many pupils cannot afford the school fees.
The library needs English-language books for children and adolescents (up to 18 years of age). Comic books, picture books and used copies of National Geographic, etc. would also be gladly accepted.
Mr Cerol Dausab is the school´s art teacher. He would like sketchpads, paint, brushes and coloured pencils, coloured paper, glue, scissors, needles, thread and beads.
Mr Nahason Nguapia is Kalkfeld Primary`s music teacher. The school has its own choir and several small dance groups. Funds are needed for musical instruments and choir robes. He also needs just about everything necessary for teaching: pencils, notebooks, paper, smaller instruments, donations of money, etc.