Andrew Kathindi
The Ministry of Education needs N$500 million to fully implement its e-learning needs to cater for learners whose normal learning schedule has been disrupted by COVID-19.
Deputy Director of Information Technology in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Johan van Wyk, told Windhoek Observer that the ministry has submitted a request to government for a COVID-19 stimulus package and has also submitted a request within its normal ministry budget process.
“For an end-to-end package and what we would need for all solutions, not just data, although internet will be the most important part, we are looking at half a billion. This is just to look at issues of connectivity, make sure all learners and teachers have connectivity and also get devices. We also want to make sure there are hotspots at libraries as well as in the communities, because it may not be possible to put devices in every leaner or teachers’ hands. The plan is for everyone at least to access the devices at school,” van Wyk said.
According to van Wyk, the ministry might have to dip into its savings while awaiting feedback on its request for funds from government and the ministry.
Currently, as far as e-learning is concerned, the ministry has been running a WhatsApp learning program whereby teachers are advised to contact leaners through WhatsApp and conduct lessons on that platform.
Van Wyk said the ministry is in contact with telecommunication companies to make data more widely available for leaners and teachers.
“We are currently awaiting costing proposals from the providers due Monday. Currently teachers have to use their own data and calling credit to reach students, while leaners rely on their parents’ data to receive these lessons,” he said.
As for students who are not being reached due to lack of connectivity, van Wyk said the safety measures will be given to the students who must pick up their study packages at school.
“The packages are available at the school for the students who do not have connectivity. We are following all the COVID-19 protocols, and social distancing. We are putting the study material into plastic wraps and then cleaning the wraps. The teachers are also wearing gloves to make sure they handle it properly. The safety of the leaners and teachers is very important and we do not want to compromise on it.”
The ministry has also been engaging NAMCOL to utilize distance learning programs.
“Currently they have made use of radio but there are more multimedia platforms being developed. Notesmasters is a program that we have made use of in the past and we have now loaded grades 8 and 9 syllabuses on there. We are training teachers to use the platform,” NAMCOL Deputy Director of Curriculum and Material Development, Jan Nitschke, said
Nitschke said NAMCOL had developed radio programs years ago which can be used during this pandemic.
“Distance learners were more fortunate as they had already received full study material packages when they registered at the beginning of the year.”
