Sorris Soris school receives N$100 000 computer donation

Seven computers valued at approximately N$100 000 have been donated to the Abraham Gariseb Primary School in the Sorris Sorris Conservancy, Kunene Region, in a move aimed at improving rural learners’ access to technology and educational opportunities.

The donation by ultimate.earth, formerly Ultimate Safaris, and its Conservation Travel Foundation (CTF) marks the third rural school computer initiative undertaken by the company and foundation, following similar support for schools in Khorixas and Grootberg near Kamanjab.

The initiative forms part of a broader commitment to communities living in Namibia’s conservation landscapes, where access to educational resources and digital technology can be limited.

According to ultimate.earth, the investment reflects the belief that children growing up in remote areas should not be disadvantaged simply because they live far from major towns.

Managing director Tristan Cowley said education was central to ensuring that conservation delivers lasting benefits for the communities living alongside and protecting Namibia’s natural heritage.

“If conservation is going to be sustainable, it has to contribute to the future of the people who live in these landscapes,” Cowley said.

“We see investment in education as one of the most meaningful ways we can do that. These children are the future of these communities, and potentially the future custodians, entrepreneurs, guides, conservationists, and tourism professionals of Namibia.”

The computers are intended to give learners greater access to information and help them develop digital skills that are increasingly important in education, business and employment.

Beyond computer donations, ultimate.earth and CTF have supported private-school scholarships for children from conservancies and funded renovations to ablution facilities, classrooms and teacher accommodation at rural schools.

Ultimate.earth said it views these investments as part of a conservation model in which tourism generates employment, income, skills and infrastructure while creating economic incentives to protect wildlife and natural landscapes.

It said the latest donation also highlights a new initiative being developed by ultimate.earth and CTF to address technology shortages in rural schools more systematically.

The Conservation Travel Foundation Computer Re-Life Programme is calling on Namibian companies and organisations to donate computers that have reached the end of their corporate service life but remain suitable for educational use.

Under the programme, CTF will facilitate the refurbishment, software licensing and distribution of donated equipment to schools where the need is greatest.

The initiative aims to reduce electronic waste while extending the useful life of computers and making technology accessible to learners who might otherwise have limited opportunities to use it.

“There are companies across Namibia replacing computers that are no longer suitable for their own operations, but those machines can still be incredibly valuable to a rural school,” Cowley said.

“We want to create a bridge between those two realities — giving corporates a responsible way to extend the life of their technology, and contribute to reduced electronic waste, while putting it directly into the hands of children who need it.”

CTF has already partnered with one company as it develops the programme and is seeking further corporate partners willing to contribute suitable equipment and support refurbishment costs.

Companies interested in participating are encouraged to contact the Conservation Travel Foundation.

For ultimate.earth and CTF, the initiative underscores the link between conservation and community development: protecting Namibia’s landscapes and investing in the people who live within them are complementary goals.