In the shade of
the majestic acacia trees of central eastern Namibia stand the buildings
of one of the happiest places of learning in Africa. This is the home
of Hunters Namibia Safari's Private School, which is sponsored solely
from the proceeds of trophy hunting safaris undertaken by this company.
In the world of sport hunting there is often an emphasis primarily
on the size, number and trophy criteria of the animals taken. There
is so much more going on behind the scenes, however, that it is gratifying
to look beyond the usual common values, to appreciate what hunters
and the sport of hunting can and do contribute to our world.
SCI members are well aware of the many valuable programs offered in
conjunction with this organization: Sportsmen Against Hunger for example,
as well as various excellent educational programs, both at the national
and local levels.
Less well known are some of the more oblique ways in which hunters'
fees and the sport of hunting can benefit the less fortunate among
the world's people. One shining example of this is the tiny school
on the vast Kalahari Desert lands of Rooikraal, the safari ranch of
Joof and Marina Lamprecht, located near Omitara, Namibia.
If it were not for the existence of this school, many young local
children would not have the privilege of returning home to their parents
at the end of every school day, but would have to attend boarding
schools several hours away in the city, returning home only for long
holidays. The quality of the education that is available to them is
also, sometimes, sub-standard.
I feel that no words can describe this little treasure more clearly
than those of Marina Lamprecht, who, along with her husband, P.H.
Joof Lamprecht, has envisioned, founded and funded the school: "The
high standard and style of education offered by our private school
is unique, with an enrollment of only twelve learners with one teacher
as well as two teaching assistants. The ages of the children range
from the preprimary group between the ages of 5 and 6 and the primary
school group aged 7 to 12. The morning begins with the children, in
their neat school uniforms, hoisting the Namibian flag and singing
the national anthem. Bible studies and prayer are followed by a busy
morning of learning. Subjects offered include English, Afrikaans,
Social Studies, Craft & Technology, Mathematics and Natural Science
presented in accordance with the guidelines of the of the Namibian
education curriculum. This school prides itself on the outstanding
mathematics results which have led to the learners being accepted
by top high schools in the city, where they have gone on to achieve
truly excellent all round results. Mid-morning the children receive
a wholesome breakfast and have play time on the jungle gym, trampoline
and by going on imaginary safaris on the brightly painted old 'hunting
truck' which has found a resting place in the lovely school garden.
They also participate in fiercely contended games of soccer and basketball.
Their numbers do not allow for full teams, but the tiny teams play
with great enthusiasm! Field trips, which include game viewing drives
and outings to the coast as well as the city, are undertaken as often
as the learning schedule will allow. The children show visiting trophy
hunters their individual vegetable patches with great pride, and all
are encouraged to taste the delicious crisp radishes, peas and other
garden produce. The children are also happily involved in various
needlework, cookery and woodwork projects. My husband Joof's vision,
when establishing the school, was to offer these rural children a
top quality education as well as a special caring environment in which
they could be encouraged to develop to their full potential."
A short visit to this special place of learning leaves you convinced
that Joof, Marina and the small dedicated teaching staff have achieved
their goals and so much more. This little school, known to so few
but educating so many of the Namibian citizens of tomorrow, is a perfect
example of trophy hunting benefiting the local community in a very
effective way. For more information on the Hunters Namibia Safari's
Private School you are invited to visit their web-page at www.huntersnamibia.com or contact Joof Lamprecht at huntersn@mweb.com.
