The aim of Mangomba Pre-Primary is to provide early childhood education for children aged 3 to 8 from a severely disadvantaged region. A particular focus is placed on learning English, which is Namibia’s official language and a key prerequisite for educational and professional success. The school thus lays the foundation for further educational opportunities and contributes to overcoming poverty, illiteracy, and lack of perspective in the local community.
Mangomba Pre-Primary
Rundu, since 2025
Where big dreams start small - Mangomba Pre-Primary gives children a chance.
Mangomba Pre-Primary is an educational project located in Siguruguru Village near Rundu, Namibia. It was initiated by Fransiska, a dedicated Namibian woman. The village is among the poorest in the region and is marked by high unemployment and illiteracy, particularly within the marginalised San communities. There is no local primary school or other educational facility in Siguruguru. While a primary school does exist within a reachable distance, the journey is too far and dangerous for young children – not least due to the rough terrain and the risk of encountering snakes. Furthermore, government schools require uniforms, which many families simply cannot afford.
In response, Fransiska – who had successfully completed her teacher training but could not find employment due to a lack of job opportunities – took action where access to education was most urgently needed. She invested her own savings and gathered support from friends and local businesses to acquire basic essentials such as a corrugated iron shelter and initial teaching materials. Today, 48 children aged between three and six attend the makeshift pre-school.
The name “Mangomba” means “big black birds”. These birds symbolise freedom, vision, and hope – values that reflect the school’s mission.
Conambiki e.V. learned about Fransiska’s project through one of our members, who volunteered at our partner school, Treehouse Academy in Rundu, in 2024. Impressed by Fransiska’s commitment and initiative, we decided to support her work.
While having tables and chairs made at a local workshop for Annette’s Soup Kitchen – one of our projects in Otjiwarongo – we took the opportunity to have furniture produced for Fransiska’s provisional school as well. Following that, Fransiska actively supported our 2024 Christmas campaign: for the 48 children attending Mangomba Pre-Primary, she organised a starter pack for school – including backpacks, stationery, and shoes to help them get to school – along with a small personal surprise for each child.
Since April 2025, we have been supporting the project with a monthly budget of approximately €100, which is used to purchase educational and crafting materials as well as to carry out minor repairs on the building. Fransiska continues to work on a voluntary basis and has also recruited two volunteer assistants to help with the care and teaching of the children.
Project goal
How is the Pre-Primary funded?
Funding for Mangomba Pre-Primary currently relies on several small sources. Where possible, families pay a monthly school fee of around 30 Namibian dollars per child – roughly €1.50. Since April 2025, Fransiska has also received a monthly contribution of €100 from Conambiki e.V., which is used to purchase school and crafting materials as well as to carry out minor repairs on the temporary school building. She works on a voluntary basis and organises additional volunteers to assist with teaching.
What is the long-term plan for the project?
In the long term, Mangomba Pre-Primary is to be registered as a privately run school with state recognition. To achieve this, a permanent infrastructure with a solid building and sanitary facilities is required. There are also plans to establish a non-profit organisation to professionalise the project further and ensure sustainable support. Fransiska is the driving force behind this initiative, and we are proud to stand by her side in this meaningful and inspiring endeavour.
statistics
The project in numbers
Students
48
Volunteer teacher
3
Ongoing support
100 €
Location
Fransiska's Mangomba Pre-Primary is located here.
- Siguruguru, a village near Rundu, Namibia
