Niël Terblanché
The landscape of education in Namibia is set for a transformative shift with the launch of the Namibia National Teachers Union’s (NANTU) Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Training Academy, aimed at empowering educators to lead the way in a rapidly evolving educational environment.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, during the Namibia National Teachers Union (NANTU) twelfth National Congress held in Swakopmund on Wednesday.
The new academy, established by NANTU, is designed to provide continuous professional development opportunities for its members, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills to meet the diverse needs of their learners.
The minister said that the CPD programme will include workshops, seminars, peer observations, and collaborative projects, all aimed at enriching teaching practices and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
Nghipondoka stressed the importance of continuous professional development, noting that emerging technologies and evolving pedagogical strategies require teachers not only to keep pace but also to lead the way in educational innovation.
“Continuous Professional Development ensures that we are not just keeping pace, but leading the way. It provides us with the tools to innovate, inspire, and impact our learners profoundly,” she said.
The theme of the congress, “Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive Education, Lifelong Quality, and Relevant Learning in Namibia,” stresses the need for a robust and adaptable education system.
Nghipondoka reiterated the critical role of teachers in shaping the future of Namibia and urged them to embrace continuous learning to better serve their students.
She also referenced the ministry’s broader efforts to transform education in Namibia, including the implementation of the National Conference on Education Implementation Plan (NCE-IP), a seven-year plan with key areas of focus, including inclusive quality education, educational infrastructure development, and the professionalisation of the teaching profession.
“I acknowledge the challenges faced by teachers, including inadequate resources and overcrowded classrooms, but their dedication and passion for delivering quality education is praiseworthy,” she said.
The minister urged teachers to actively participate in the CPD programmes, share their insights, and support their colleagues in this collective endeavour.
Neville Andre, the Erongo regional governor, praised the efforts of NANTU in advocating for the rights and welfare of educators.
He acknowledged the progress made in education within the Erongo Region but stressed the need for continued efforts to ensure that education systems are resilient and capable of meeting the demands of an ever-changing world.
Andre reiterated the need for collaboration between the government, the private sector, and educational stakeholders in addressing challenges such as infrastructure development and water shortages in schools.
He called for continued commitment from all stakeholders to create an environment where every learner has the opportunity to succeed.
Andre said the launch of the NANTU CPD Training Academy is a vital step towards enhancing the professional development of teachers in Namibia.
“This initiative will play a crucial role in ensuring that educators are well-prepared to inspire and nurture the next generation of Namibian learners in a technologically advanced world,” he said.
