Divundu boy to be placed in school soon: Shilima

NAMPA

2025-02-24

RUNDU, 22 February 2025 - John Kakuwa, 13, travelled from Divundu to Rundu to attend the memorial service for Founding President Sam Nujoma. (Photo: Contributed)

RUNDU, 24 FEB (NAMPA) – Kavango East Director of Education, Christine Shilima, has said they need more time to assess the situation of the 13-year-old boy who travelled to the memorial service of Founding President Sam Nujoma alone, before placing him in a school.
Shilima pledged during the regional memorial service for Nujoma in Rundu on Saturday that 13-year-old John Kakuwa would be enrolled in a school near his home in Divundu by Monday. However, when contacted for an update Monday, she explained that additional factors needed to be considered before proceeding with his school placement.
“We need to assess the situation to determine the most suitable nearby school, confirm the last grade he completed, understand why he dropped out, and decide on the appropriate grade for him to resume his education,” Shilima stated.
The assessment is expected to be completed by Friday.
Kakuwa’s story gained public attention after he hitchhiked from Divundu to Rundu to attend the State memorial service for Nujoma.
The chairperson of the Kavango East Regional Council, Damian Maghambayi, said the boy slept at the Rundu Engen service station Thursday night before being taken to the police station, where he was later reunited with his grandmother, who had also travelled to Rundu for the memorial.
According to Maghambayi, Kakuwa had volunteered to wash a delivery vehicle in exchange for transportation to Rundu, demonstrating his commitment to paying his last respects to Nujoma despite lacking accommodation or familiarity with the town.
Following the viral video of Kakuwa’s journey, mourners at the event pledged N.dollars 31 500 to support his return to school.
He shared that he is an orphan living with his grandmother and had been forced to drop out of school due to financial struggles.
“I want to thank everyone who showed me love and those who contributed money for my education and well-being. I never thought I would have the opportunity to go back to school,” Kakuwa said while expressing his gratitude.
Authorities remain committed to ensuring that the boy receives the necessary support, and a final decision regarding his school placement is expected by the end of the week.
(NAMPA)
JLN/PS/AS

kavango president

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