OPEN DOORS Education Centre (ODEC)
The open learning centre for children and young people from the township
ODEC has been operating since 2024 and supports more than 275 children, adolescents, and young adults every day through a wide range of formal and non formal educational programs. The focus lies on early childhood development, academic support alongside school education, and vocational youth programs. The core programs include:
- Kindergarten
- Preschool
- Homework support from Grade 1 to Grade 12
- A vocational Youth Development Program that provides vocational and life skills training
The education center is located in Matutura, just outside the DRC. The Democratic Resettlement Community (DRC) is a “township” of Swakopmund in Namibia, where there is no running water or connected sanitation and electricity. Here we run the Horizon Primary School.
ODEC is intentionally designed as an open learning space. The centre is not only accessible to enrolled participants, but also serves as a place of education and encounter for the entire neighbourhood. Learners can use the library as a quiet study space, workshops are offered for members of the neighbourhood, and additional programs such as a children’s choir and weekend art courses create opportunities for creative expression and shared learning.
Beyond academic education, ODEC follows a holistic approach. Children and young people receive:
- A daily warm meal
- Basic medical care
- Access to clubs and additional support programs
- A safe space for personal development
The goal of the OPEN DOORS Education Centre is not only to provide knowledge, but to strengthen children and young people in their personal growth, foster practical skills, and create sustainable future opportunities.
