Values and guiding principles
Eland School strives to provide quality education to our learners, we teach our children with kindness and respect and so imbue these qualities in our learners. We value honesty and equal opportunity as well as imparting that learning as fun and fruitful. We want our learners to feel equal to their work and to reach their potential.
Opening the School:
A Milestone for the ‡Khomani San
When the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park was proclaimed in the 1930s, the ‡Khomani San people were displaced from their ancestral lands. Many were resettled or dispersed across Namibia and surrounding areas. In 1995, the community lodged a land claim for 400,000 ha of Kalahari land. This was successfully settled in 1999, with then-President Thabo Mbeki transferring 36,000 ha of farmland and 25,000 ha within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to the ‡Khomani San.
Challenges such as limited education access and unemployment persisted. In response, the community envisioned a school that would support both educational development and cultural preservation. In 2015, land was allocated for the school, and a community-wide survey helped shape its direction. The school was officially registered in 2023—a significant step toward securing recognition for the ‡Khomani San's language, culture, and future generations.
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Claire Barry
Founder & Fundraising Executive
Claire Barry’s journey with The Eland School began in 2002, when she moved to the Kalahari and was welcomed into the ‡Khomani San community. Listening closely to the people she met, one message was repeated again and again: the deep need for a school that honours their culture, language, and way of life—while also offering children a solid start in their education.
In response, Claire dedicated herself to creating a space where ‡Khomani San children could learn in a way that feels true to who they are. The Eland School weaves traditional knowledge, values, and stories into the Foundation Phase curriculum, nurturing not only academic growth but a strong sense of identity and belonging.
Claire’s work is guided by care, humility, and a deep respect for the community she serves. Her hope is simple—that every child feels seen, supported, and proud of where they come from.
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Nanette Flemming
Management
Nanette Lee Flemming has been actively working in the Khomani San community for more than 20 years.
She joined the Eland School team in July 2023, she joined The Eland School as Claire Barry’s assistant, stepping into a role of care and continuity as the school grows. As it was felt that someone with in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of this sensitive, indigenous community was needed.
Nanette was very excited to join this important stage of the development of the school where children are guided and made aware of their unique role as the future of a community that has had generational trauma and suffered great hardship, in doing so great healing can happen.
The importance of this foundation phase of any child’s development, although acknowledged, has been lost in an education system that is lacking in culture, kindness and the appreciation of the uniqueness of every child.
The fact that Eland School does not just look at education, but also the students Traditional Culture and Language, gives them a place in the world where they can feel rooted.
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Letitea Molise
Administration and Community Development
Letitea Molise has been a committed member of The Eland School team since 2016, serving as a Community Development Worker and Administrator. With qualifications in Social Auxiliary Work and Project Management, she brings deep experience in psychosocial support, family care, and youth development.
Before joining Eland, Letitea worked for seven years in the welfare sector, supporting foster care, family support, and community awareness programs. She also spent two years at an in-patient rehabilitation centre, where she facilitated social skills sessions, supported after-care programs, and worked closely with families in recovery.
At Eland School, Letitea leads life skills and parenting programs that help children grow in confidence and teach caregivers to build stronger, more nurturing relationships. Her work has contributed to a meaningful drop in teenage pregnancies and school dropouts. Through the Keeping Kids at School initiative, she carefully assesses needs and provides vital support to help learners stay connected to education and opportunity.
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Doreen Bovu
Principle
Doreen Bovu is a dedicated and passionate educator with over 25 years of experience in the foundation phase. With a love for teaching, she has spent her career inspiring young minds in the classroom. In addition to her role as a teacher, Doreen has also held leadership positions as Deputy Principal and Education Specialist, further expanding her expertise. After stepping back from administrative roles, she returned to her true calling - teaching - where she continues to make a positive impact on her students' lives. A devoted wife and mother of four, Doreen's commitment to education is rooted in her passion for nurturing and guiding the next generation.
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Charmaine Rooi
Teacher
Charmaine Rooi is a Level 5, SACE-registered Grade R teacher and a member of the ‡Khomani San community. She teaches in the Foundation Phase, focusing on early literacy, numeracy, and social development, while creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment for young children.
In the afternoons, Charmaine teaches Grade 3 learners in an augmentary capacity, providing additional academic support to strengthen their understanding of core subjects. Her work helps bridge learning gaps and ensures learners continue to build confidence as they progress through school.
Charmaine is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of every child she works with.
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Danhella Vitbooi
Assistant Teacher
Danhella Witbooi is a Level 5, SACE-registered assistant teacher and a member of the ‡Khomani San community. She supports teaching and learning in the Grades 1 and 2 classrooms, helping young learners build foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and classroom readiness.
In the afternoons, Danhella facilitates the Homework Programme for learners in Grades 4 to 9, providing a quiet, structured environment where students can focus, ask questions, and receive the support they need to complete their schoolwork. Her guidance helps learners stay engaged and on track with their studies.
Danhella is committed to encouraging learning at every stage of a child’s journey.
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Milton Jacobs
Assistant Teacher
Milton Jacobs is a Level 5, SACE-registered assistant teacher at The Eland School and a member of the ‡Khomani San community. He supports the Grade R classroom by helping young learners develop early literacy, numeracy, and social skills through structured guidance and classroom assistance.
In the afternoons, Milton facilitates educational games that reinforce classroom learning in an engaging and supportive way. His role plays an important part in helping children strengthen their understanding and build confidence through play-based activities.
Milton is committed to supporting the growth of each learner during these important early years.
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Mietjie Bock
N/u Language and Culture Teacher
Mietjie is the Granddaughter of Ouma Kheis Brou who was one of the original Nu/u speaker Elders who helped with the foundation of the land Claim. Ouma Kheis transferred her love of the language to Mietjie who has always felt close to her culture. When Levi Namiseb offered classes in the language she eagerly participated and her passion took her to transfer her knowledge to the community. As such she became part of the Eland School cultural program and is a much valued teacher helping to keep the ancient traditional language alive.