The BNC (Bernard Nordkamp Centre) is a non-profit after school educational program located in the township of Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia.
We serve 150 children. The BNC objectives are to provide children with a balanced programme of activities which will meet their individual needs, but above all, will equip them to be positive, well educated and contributing adult members of society. To achieve this, the Centre provides a formal learning programme as well as opportunities for sporting and cultural activities. There is a youth choir
, soccer, tennis, ping-pong, basketball, chess and even swimming. The BNC’s primary mission is to facilitate education as a means of combating the very eroding effects of poverty. That is the most solid foundation for developing healthy, positive and enthusiastic children firmly rooted in participation in quality education. There are around 200 children participating in the programme, enrolled in local public schools, grades 1 to 10. They go to school in the morning and then come to the centre for lunch and after school classes in English (reading and writing) and Maths. They are taught by local Namibian teachers as well as International Volunteers. The success of the programme has been overwhelmingly positive. Children who were receiving marks in the 20’s and 30’s are now getting 70’s and 80’s. The grade 7 learners in our programme are getting accepted into some of the country’s top schools. All the materials for the programme have come from international donations as well as local Namibian businesses. Each year the children receive school uniforms and stationery from funds donated through international charity organizations. MaryBeth Gallagher is the director of the BNC. She is a volunteer herself and could not be more passionate about the children of Katutura and helping them through education. If you or people you know would be interested in helping the BNC to improve the lives and prospects of Namibian children by offering time or money, please contact Mary Beth.
