Hertta-Maria Amutenja
In an outreach program undertaken by the National Council led by Victoria Kauma, the delegation discovered a pressing concern regarding the lack of school halls in numerous educational facilities across Oshana, Omusati and Kunene regions.
According to the committee’s report, this infrastructure gap has far-reaching implications, affecting the quality of education and overall experiences for learners in these areas.
The outreach program aimed to engage with learners and youth, shedding light on the challenges faced by communities following significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kauma, reflecting on the findings, expressed concern over the absence of school halls in many educational structures, hindering essential activities such as dramas, physical education, and school assemblies.
“The delegation observed with a concern that the majority of school facilities and infrastructure are constructed without school halls that should be used for dramas, physical education, and school assemblies,” Kauma emphasized.
The outreach program led to a series of recommendations and calls for action.
These include overhauling the approach to school construction, implementing transparent budgeting, and engaging with the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development on issues like allowances for headmen and women.
“Implementing school constructions with halls would significantly improve educational opportunities and experiences for students in these areas. Transparent budgeting, regular monitoring and evaluation, and accountability are crucial to ensuring optimal use of resources towards their intended goals,” said Kauma.
On the issue of headmen and women allowances, Kauma asserted, that the National Council should engage the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, seeking fair compensation through parliamentary measures.
