Pre-Primary Mangomba

Mangomba Pre-Primary is an educational project in Siguruguru Village near Rundu, Namibia, founded by Fransiska, a local Namibian woman. The village is one of the poorest in the region and is affected by high unemployment and illiteracy, particularly among the marginalized San communities. There is no local primary school or other educational institution in Siguruguru. Although there is a primary school within reach, the journey is too far and too dangerous for younger children. Reasons include the difficult terrain and the risk of encountering snakes. In addition, uniforms are compulsory at government schools, which is beyond the financial means of many families.

To address this, Fransiska, a dedicated woman from the region, founded Mangomba Pre-Primary School in early 2023. Fransiska successfully completed her teacher training but was unable to find employment due to a lack of available positions. Rather than remain inactive, she decided to take action where access to education was needed most. She invested her own savings and organized support from friends and local businesses to provide basic facilities such as a corrugated metal shelter and initial school supplies. Today, 43 children between the ages of three and six attend Mangomba Pre-Primary.

The name “Mangomba” means “big black birds”. They symbolize freedom, vision and hope. These values also shape the vision of the school.

Conambiki e.V. became aware of Fransiska’s project through one of our members, who volunteered at our partner school, Treehouse Academy in Rundu, in 2024. Convinced by her commitment and initiative, we decided to support Fransiska.

When we commissioned tables and chairs from a local workshop for Annette’s Soup Kitchen, one of our projects in Otjiwarongo, we used the opportunity to have furniture made for Fransiska’s temporary school as well. Fransiska later supported us actively with our 2024 Christmas campaign. For the 48 children attending Mangomba Pre-Primary at the time, she organized a basic set of school supplies consisting of school bags, learning materials and shoes to help the children manage the journey to school. In addition, each child received a small personal surprise.

Since April 2025, we have also supported the project with a monthly budget of around €100, which is used for school and craft materials as well as minor repairs to the building. Fransiska continues to work on a voluntary basis and has also organized two volunteers who support her in caring for and teaching the children.

An important next step is completing the school’s infrastructure. Since we began supporting the project, Fransiska has gradually been collecting the necessary building materials. With additional funding of almost €3,000 from Conambiki e.V., a permanent classroom and sanitary facilities can now be completed. Fransiska is using the funds mainly to purchase the required construction materials. Once the new building is completed, lessons can take place regularly and independently of weather conditions.