PRESS RELEASE

U.S. Government Supports Ministry of Education Efforts to Help Orphans and Vulnerable Children in the Caprivi Region - “Go to school, stay in school and do well in school” 

November 16, 2007

On November 19, 2007 the United States Government, through USAID, officially donated grants totaling N$442,000 to 53 schools in the Caprivi Region.
The ceremony took place at the Old Legislative Hall in Katima Mulilo on Monday, November 19, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. 
The U.S. government granted these funds to schools, which have a specific need.  They have a high proportion of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and, therefore, have fewer per capita resources with which to maintain – and improve – education quality.  The Ministry of Education selected the schools that will receive these grants.
The schools, in turn, will use the grants to make School Development Fund payments for 6,700 OVC.  They will use the funds to meet their high priority educational needs such as purchasing additional text books and school supplies, repairing classrooms, paying for relief teachers, etc.
The U.S. government is contributing these School Development Funds grants to selected schools with the understanding that the Government of the Republic of Namibia will continue to implement policies and programs that expand access to OVC education, care and support services that can be sustained with local resources over the long term. 
With funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), USAID has been supporting Ministry of Education efforts over the past two years to help OVC go to school, stay in school and do well in school.  In June 2007, N$1.2 million in grants were made to assist schools and communities ensure that children are able to pay school fees; purchase school uniforms, books, and supplies; and provide nutrition and counselling when needed. 
Under the PEPFAR program, N$98 million has been allocated for broad, overall OVC care and support since 2004, with an additional N$60 million planned in 2008.  Funds have been used for caregiver training, improving access to education, economic support, targeted food and nutritional assistance, legal aid, medical care, psychological and emotional counseling, and other material support. 
U.S. Government assistance to Namibia for HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment has increased from US$24 million in 2004 to US$91 million in 2007 (N$637 million), and is expected to increase again next year.   
 For further information, please contact Public Affairs Officer, Raymond Castillo, at 0811280816, or Information Assistant, Roger Lyners, at 229801 [ext. 226].