Andrew Kathindi
The return to face-to-face teaching scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) in the Erongo region for grade 11 and 12 students hangs in the balance as Namibia National Teachers Union (NANTU) has stated it has reached an impasse in its consultations with the education ministry.
This comes after the education ministry Executive Director Sanet Steenkamp was forced to postpone the resumption of classes for grade 11 and 12 in the Erongo region to 22 July after they were initially scheduled to resume on Monday 20 July due to none consultations with sector stakeholders.
However, it has emerged that the likelihood of this appears in jeopardy as the ministry and NANTU, who began consultations this week, have thus far failed to agree on safety modalities.
“We want both the learners and the teachers to be tested. And when they have been tested, they host them in one central location, like hostels, restricting the movement of learners. Our fear is that if these learners are coming from the same communities where we are confirming positive cases on a daily basis, it’s a very dangerous situation if we allow them to commute every morning to school and back into those communities,” NANTU Secretary General, Loide Shaanika, told Windhoek Observer.
She stated modalities were still being worked on, but that she does not believe learners will report tomorrow for school because there isn’t yet a conclusion between NANTU and the ministry.
“Meetings continue tomorrow to engage. Until we agree on those conditions, learners are still at home. In as much as we want the grade 11 and 12 learners to come back to school, what we are demanding is for the ministry to strengthen the health and safety measures to combat the pandemic. We cannot risk the health and safety of our teachers, the Labour Act is very clear on that.”
This comes as three new COVID-19 related deaths were recorded in Walvis Bay and 16 new cases. Private schools reopened yesterday.
Shaanika said the initial delay was brought on because NANTU was never consulted.
“From the beginning, when the ministry prepared for these learners to come back for face to face, they never consulted us. And that’s why the delay came because we only came to learn about it on Friday evening.”
Meanwhile Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO) has said that while it was satisfied with the assurances provided to it by the education ministry with regards to Erongo re-opening schools for grade 11 and 12 learners, and it will begin its own inspections at the schools and make further decisions based on those assessments.
“We have a representative in Erongo who will ascertain the situation on the ground starting tomorrow and if find anything amiss, one case of hygiene and sanitation issues then we will backtrack on our decision to support the reopening of schools in the region,” said NANSO spokesperson Dylan Mukoroli.
Since May, the ministry has maintained its position on returning to face-to-face teaching to rescue the academic year.
“Amidst all the uncertainties, fears and anxiety, it is imperative that we note that all grade 11 and 12 learners are registered to take their final examinations in the NSSCO/H at the end of this year,” Steenkamp originally said in a letter on Sunday, 19 July. She added, “Therefore, it is of crucial importance that all stakeholders contribute significantly to ensure that the class of 2020 receive full support in all the required areas to make a success of their final year of formal schooling.”
