Stefanus Nashama
The Landless People’s Movement’s (LPM) Youth Command Element, represented by Duminga Ndala and Utaara Mootu, have directed criticism at the government, particularly the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, for the disappointing Grade 11 and Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level results.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Ndala and Mootu expressed their views that the Ministry has fallen short in the education sector, particularly in its failure to conduct an in-depth analysis before implementing the new curriculum.
The youth leaders stated that a thorough review of the education system should be prioritized by the government that encompasses aspects like teacher training and evaluation, improvement of school infrastructure, and adequate financial support.
Ndala pointed to the disparity between the financial resources allocated to the ministry and the recently released examination results, criticizing the Ministry for not effectively utilizing these resources to address the demands of the education system.
The Ministry’s announcement that only 10,261 out of 40,682 learners who sat for the 2023 national examinations would proceed to Grade 12 (AS level) was a point of contention.
Ndala stressed the need for comprehensive reform in teacher training programs, adequate resource allocation, support for student diversity, and tackling external factors affecting teaching effectiveness.
Furthermore, Ndala criticized the University of Namibia (Unam) for refusing to admit Grade 11 learners, labelling this decision as insensitive and regressive.
While acknowledging the importance of maintaining admission standards, Ndala argued that the implementation of the new curriculum should not have been an isolated process and that Unam’s decision contradicts earlier consultations it was part of.
Ndala called for the Ministry of Higher Education, Training, and Innovation to urgently address the issue with Unam.
Echoing Ndala’s sentiments, Mootu called for the resignation of the Education Minister, citing her alleged inability to effectively perform her duties.
Mootu criticized the government’s failure to construct new schools and the lack of transparency in teacher recruitment under the previous year’s budget.
Mootu also raised concerns about the challenges parents face in securing school placements for their children, pointing out the lack of guarantees even after delayed returns.
She questioned the effectiveness of a N$255 million tender, awarded on August 26, for constructing 510 classrooms and 70 ablution blocks, citing a lack of tangible results since then.
The youth leaders urged the government to prioritize building new schools and called for transparency in its plans.
