Sostenus Wilherm
The government has set a 2030 target of ensuring that every learner in Namibia is taught by a qualified teacher.
It acknowledges that shortages of specialised educators, difficult rural working conditions and heavy workloads continue to put pressure on the country’s teaching profession.
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp made the commitment as Namibia joined the international community in marking World Teachers’ Day 2026 under the theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, advancing its Status and Shaping our Futures.”
Steenkamp said the target forms part of the ministry of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture’s efforts to strengthen teaching and learning, but stressed that the government would not achieve it without the teachers themselves.
“Our goal by 2030 is clear, every learner taught by a qualified teacher. That’s what we want, and we will not reach it without you,” Steenkamp said.
Namibia currently has 36 336 teachers responsible for more than 913 000 learners in 2 081 schools across the country’s 14 regions, according to the minister.
Steenkamp described teachers as “the heartbeat of our education system”, saying educators are carrying out their duties in environments that range from urban schools to remote rural areas and makeshift classrooms.
She said teachers are increasingly required to perform responsibilities that go beyond classroom instruction, including serving as counselors, mentors, coaches and, in many instances, acting as a second parent to learners.
“You teach in classrooms across the cities and in remote rural schools, you teach in makeshift classrooms, afternoon classes and in multi-grade rooms, you have become our counselors, mentors, coaches and very often a second parent as well,” she said.
Steenkamp acknowledged that some subjects still do not have enough specialised teachers, while educators stationed far from towns face inadequate housing, electricity and connectivity.
The situation is compounded by large classrooms and heavy workloads, which she said are affecting teachers’ morale.
“Some subjects still lack enough specialised teachers. Some schools are far from towns without adequate housing, electricity or even connectivity. We’ve got large classrooms; heavy workloads and the pressure of our time certainly weigh on the morale of our teachers,” Steenkamp said.
Despite these challenges, she said Namibia has made progress in expanding and qualifying its teaching workforce.
Since 2019, the country’s teaching force has grown by more than 5 000 teachers, while more than nine in every 10 primary and secondary teachers are now qualified to teach.
Steenkamp attributed the progress to the commitment of teachers who have continued with their studies and professional development despite the sacrifices involved.
“Today, more than 9 in every 10 primary and secondary teachers are qualified to teach, that progress belongs to you, to your studies, your sacrifices and your determination,” she said.
Under the ministry’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030, the government intends to place greater emphasis on excellence in teaching and learning, with teacher education and continuous professional development identified as key areas.
Steenkamp said the ministry plans to strengthen mentorship and peer-to-peer coaching to ensure that teachers receive support throughout their careers rather than being left to deal with professional challenges on their own.
“We are committed to first and foremost invest further in teacher education and continuous professional development, strengthening mentorship and peer-to-peer coaching so that no teacher stands alone,” she said.
The government also plans to focus on attracting teachers to scarce subjects and rural postings through improved incentives, including housing and transport.
Steenkamp said efforts are also being made towards establishing a regulatory body for the teaching profession, which she believes would help protect and raise the status of teaching.
“Working towards a regulatory body for the teaching profession is equally important so that teaching in Namibia is protected and respected as the profession it truly is,” she said.
The minister said standing with teachers should not be limited to annual celebrations, but should involve recognising their knowledge, listening to their concerns, investing in their development and protecting their dignity.
“Now to stand with teachers is not only to applaud them once a year, it is really to value the knowledge that our teachers bring, but also to listen to your voice, to invest in your growth and to safeguard your dignity in every classroom, every region, on a daily basis,” she said.
This year’s theme marks 60 years since the 1966 ILO-UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. Steenkamp said the milestone serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the teaching profession.
“A nation that respects its teachers, respects its own future,” she said.
She also called on parents, communities and education partners to support teachers, saying education cannot be left to teachers and schools alone.
“I appeal to you, do stand with our teachers, respect them, according to them the required support and work with them for the future of every child that depends on that partnership,” Steenkamp said.
Steenkamp further urged teachers to take care of their own well-being while continuing to support and inspire learners.
She reminded educators that future professionals and leaders are currently sitting in their classrooms, saying their influence can extend far beyond the lessons taught at school.
“The engineers, the nurses, the artists, the teachers and the athletes and leaders of tomorrow are right now sitting in your classrooms,” she said.
