Expanding access to education and digital skills at Baumgartsbrunn Primary School, Namibia

Founded in the 1970s, Baumgartsbrunn Primary School was established to give children of local farm workers access to education for the very first time. Prior to its opening, attending school was nearly impossible due to the 40-kilometer distance to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. Today, Baumgartsbrunn operates as a boarding school, providing a safe and stable learning environment where both students and teachers live throughout the academic year.

The school serves 282 students aged 7 to 14, supported by a dedicated team of 15 teachers. For many children, Baumgartsbrunn represents their only opportunity to receive formal education and develop skills that extend beyond their immediate environment.

Before renovations began, the school faced serious infrastructure challenges. Although the walls of the old building were stable, aluminum ceilings made classrooms extremely hot in summer and uncomfortably cold in winter. Some classrooms lacked windows entirely, and the outdoor areas required renovation to provide a safe space for play and recreation.

These conditions placed the school at risk of closure — an outcome that would have forced most students to return to their parents’ farms and lose access to education altogether.

In August 2021, the newly renovated Baumgartsbrunn Primary School officially reopened, marking a critical turning point for the community. In addition to Acronis’ support, the renovation was directly supported by the company’s founder and Chief Research Officer, Serg Bell, and his daughter Sofia, helping ensure the school’s long-term sustainability.

Following the renovation, Acronis funded the creation of a computer classroom to further expand students’ educational and life opportunities.

“With your help, it has become possible to give Baumgartsbrunn and all the farmers’ children the first step into a networked, global world. The children learn how to use computers, which strengthens their education and gives them future opportunities that were previously unimaginable,” said— Principal M. Garises.

The project significantly upgraded the school’s computer facilities to create a safe, functional, and engaging digital learning environment. The computer classroom was expanded to accommodate up to 40 students, with additional computer tables and chairs installed to ensure adequate learning space. Metal cabinets were added to securely store equipment and teaching materials, while air-conditioning systems improved comfort and usability throughout the year.

To ensure the long-term protection of equipment, enhanced security measures were introduced, including a dedicated security room equipped with steel cabinets and an internet connection. The computer lab was fully networked and equipped with the “Rachel – Plus” offline learning platform, providing students and teachers with access to high-quality educational content even in low-connectivity settings.

In parallel, the school’s teaching staff received hands-on training from Mr. Leon Feris, a local IT teacher, to strengthen their digital skills and enable effective use of the new technology in daily lessons. This work was supported by the Rotary Club of Lahr, Germany, helping ensure sustainable impact and long-term educational benefits for the Baumgartsbrunn school community.

Each student is allocated one computer lesson per week within the school’s five-day timetable. Afternoon access to the computer lab is permitted only under teacher supervision, ensuring a safe and structured learning environment. These afternoons also present an opportunity to introduce more organized programs that actively engage students and reinforce digital literacy.

The transformation of Baumgartsbrunn Primary School highlights how investment in infrastructure, teacher capacity, and digital access can safeguard education for vulnerable communities. By combining safe learning spaces, trained educators, and modern technology, the school is now better positioned to prepare its students for future opportunities in an increasingly digital world.

Through continued collaboration with partners and supporters, Baumgartsbrunn stands as a powerful example of how education-centered initiatives can create lasting and meaningful change.

Acronis Cyber Foundation Program welcomes individuals, groups, and companies to partner with us to work side-by-side with underserved communities to bring them hope through education.