Category: Information

Mr Alhassan Sayibu Suhiyini, Member of Parliament for Tamale North, says the dwindling fortunes in the education sector ‘will take many years to reverse,’ in spite of the investments made in the sector by New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

He said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s ‘attempt’ to celebrate achievements in the education sector, as captured in the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), ‘will not stand the test of time’.

The President in his address on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, hailed the impact of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, describing it as a ‘transformative programme that has broken myths and liberated minds.’

President Akufo-Addo, on the floor of Parliament, touched on investments such as the construction of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) schools and other programmes in the education sector that had increased enrollment at the basic level.

However, Mr Suhini, speaking on Accra-based Citi FM on Saturday, said such contributions were expec
ted as the government had generated ‘so much money from tax revenue’.

‘We may be faced with many challenges, but the three, which I call the ‘triple jeopardy’, are education, environment and the economy…’

‘In terms of quantum of money spent [in the education sector], I don’t challenge that, but the decay that our educational sector is faced with will take us many years to reverse,’ he stated.

The lawmaker made reference to research findings which suggested that some basic schools were owed capitation grant while others lacked basic infrastructure, as result of the ‘over concentration on Free SHS’.

Describing the education system as ‘Kwashiorkor’ (malnourished), Mr Suhini emphasised the concerns of some parents, who said they were facing difficulties in spite of the implementation of Free SHS.

‘When you compare the Free SHS to investments at the tertiary level, you can clearly see a ‘Kwashiorkor’ education system, where the legs are so lean because of deprivation…’

‘No preparation is done at the tertiary
level to absorb the numbers that are supposed to be increasing at the Free SHS level; so much money goes there; bloating the tummy that is not healthy.

‘…If we want to go into the area of education and think that is how to whitewash a very bad performance of the President, even that too will not stand the test of time,’ Mr Suhini stated.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) has called on unemployed teachers to register with their regional offices for assistance in finding employment and developing valuable skills.

Nantu secretary general, Loide Shaanika in an interview on Wednesday highlighted the union’s commitment to supporting teachers in finding employment, amongst others through coaching in how to conduct themselves during job interviews.

‘Many unemployed teachers have neglected our office, which has limited their chances of employment. In the past, teachers who have registered themselves with the organisation have successfully gotten employment,’ she said.

Shaanika said by registering, they can access guidance and resources to improve their job prospects as Nantu offers psychological and social support to members.

‘Unemployed teachers go through a lot when they are looking for jobs so we try to encourage them and teach them modern skills, especially for the fourth industrial revolution which is the future,’ said the secretary
general.

She also urged teachers to understand where the world is going and to educate and mentor learners on career development.

‘The world is moving forward and as teachers, we need to put a lot of emphasis on career development so we can shape a good future for our learners,’ Shaanika said.

She said with emphasis on career development can help to reduce unemployment in future.

‘Learners will be mentored on careers that can help them secure employment instead of career choices that will leave them on the streets,’ said Shaanika.

Shaanika also said that they are planning on advising the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture on the school curriculum so it can incorporate more training opportunities that are relevant to the modern era.

‘We want to advise the government to develop more vocational training centres because vocational training is the future,’ said Shaanika.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MoEAC) has joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Mother Language Day, with the theme ‘Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning.’

The United Nations (UN) has established 21 February as a day to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity. This is to demonstrate dedication to the development and preservation of mother tongues worldwide.

The education ministry in a press release on Wednesday stated that mother tongues are essential for good learning and cognitive development.

‘The ministry has long encouraged the use of mother tongues in schools, particularly in the junior primary phase. According to research, teaching children in their native languages enhances understanding, engagement, and knowledge retention,’ it said.

It added that preserving mother languages is crucial for cultural identity, particularly in Africa which is home to over 2 000 distinct languages.

By valuing and preserving mother language
s the MoEAC through teaching and learning contributes to the richness of humanity’s linguistic heritage, it said.

‘As we commemorate World Mother Language Day, the ministry encourages all Namibians to take pride in their mother languages that contribute to the country’s cultural diversity. We remain committed to the promotion of multilingualism in education, ensuring that all learners have equal access to quality education,’ it stated.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: The late President Hage Geingob was a staunch supporter of youth activism, whose actions spoke volumes as he worked tirelessly to create avenues for their meaningful participation in national development.

This was said by the President of the Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO), Lucia Ndishishi, during a memorial service in honour of Geingob attended by learners from various schools in Katutura at the Independence Arena on Friday.

She said education was at the forefront of President Geingob’s agenda.

‘He recognised the transformative power of knowledge in shaping the destiny of nations, and his relentless pursuit to expand access to quality education for all Namibians has empowered countless individuals… igniting the flames of hope and opportunity in the hearts of our youth,’ stated Ndishishi.

Ndishishi also remarked that Geingob was not a keyboard warrior and therefore believed in young people through empowering them to drive policy and action, leaving an enduring imprint on the land
scape of Namibian governance and inspiring generations to come.

The youth tribute saw learners from schools such as Hage Geingob Secondary School, Jan Jonker Afrikaner Secondary School, and Goreangab Secondary School paying homage to the late president with electrifying musical performances and heartfelt tributes.

The youth tribute under the theme; Remembering H.E DR. Hage G Geingob: a youth tribute’, was a collaborative effort by several groups, namely The National Youth Council (NYC), the Namibian National Students Union, NANSO and other groups.

At the event, many tributes by student leaders recognised the late President as a leader who believed in the potential of the youth and made significant strides in ensuring they are represented and given opportunities to grow.

UNAM SRC speaker for all 12 campuses, Jayden Ashipala, said Geingob will be remembered by the Namibian youth for his transformative power, blazing commitment to academic excellence, as well as vocational education and the potential it has.

Learners from Jan Jonker Afrikaner Secondary School gave a choir performance that resonated with many in attendance, revived by a vocal performance by the Goreangab Secondary School.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

OMUTHIYA: The Oshikoto Region’s Education Director, Aletta Eises is urging learners to take part in sports and athletics for their mental and physical wellbeing.

Eises said in an interview with Nampa on Monday learners need to engage in sports and athletics for their holistic development.

She said sports build self-confidence, help with skills of socialising as well as motor skills development.

‘Sports activities also enhance the emotional wellbeing of learners and they should engage in all sorts of sport activities according to the plans of the school. Learners are guided in their sports activities by responsible teachers who are their ultimate supervisors,’ she said.

The Ministry Sport, Youth and National Service Oshikoto regional Senior Sports Officer, Ngonyofi Helao also encouraged learners to take part in sport activities at their schools so they can compete on the regional level on 13 April 2024.

Helao said learners must take part in sports to become fit and have healthier minds and most importantl
y take part in regional and national events.

‘We also want our kids to be exposed to new environments and meet new friends in sports as we have many of them in the villages only,’ she said.

Helao further said that the learners should take part in athletics such as the 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1 500-metre events.

The cluster competition will take place on 16 February, the circuit competition is on 01 March, the zonal competition on 15 March followed by the regional competition on 13 April, Helao said and called on schools to allow learners to train before they go for any competition, for learners to keep up with fitness and avoid injuries.

‘We have a challenge of poor to no sports facilities in the region like sports fields and sports equipment in the region,’ said Helao.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

OPUWO: The Frank Fredericks Foundation (FFF) reinforced its commitment to school development in Namibia this week by donating school uniforms to nine schools as part of its ‘back-to-school initiative’ valued at N.dollars 100 000.

Among the schools that benefited from the project is Opuwo Junior Primary School (OJPS) in the Kunene district, where 10 pupils received uniforms valued at N.dollars 10 000.

The donation event at OJPS took place on Tuesday, and other schools are expected to receive their donations over the course of the week.

Suama Shingenge, Frank Fredericks Foundation Public Relations Officer, remarked in a statement read on her behalf at the donation ceremony that the foundation has been a beacon of hope and support for young Namibian athletes because of its founder, Frank Fredericks’ vision.

According to Shingenge, returning to their roots demonstrates their real commitment to the people they serve. Shingenge added that the giving of uniforms is more than just providing clothing, as it is als
o a statement of optimism, encouragement and the awareness that someone believes in their abilities.

‘Today, as we donate school uniforms to these young minds, we are not merely providing them with clothing; we are offering them as a gesture that goes beyond material assistance. It is a reminder that, with a helping hand, dreams can be realised and goals can be achieved,’ she said.

Shingenge emphasised the importance of education in unlocking one’s full potential. According to her, initiatives like these strive to make ambitions feasible for all young Namibians, similar to how Frank Fredericks was able to achieve his own.

The school’s principal, Albert Tjiuma, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that they consider themselves privileged because the donation has provided joy to all those who have benefited.

Shinime Shiimvula Primary School (Ondangwa), PJ TsaiTsaib Combined School (Mariental), Krolein Primary School (Keetmanshoop), Fidel Castro Ruz, Elim, Saint Andrews and Hillside Primary Schools,
all in Windhoek, also benefited from the donation.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

ONAUSHE: The Action Based Organisation on Tuesday handed over school uniforms worth over N.dollars 10 000 to learners of Onaushe Combined School in the Oshana Region.

The school is located about 70 kilometres west of Oshakati and has a learner population of over 300, with 40 per cent of the learners being from marginalised communities.

According to Zackary Itodo, the organisation’s initiator, the Agra Staff Initiative Fund (ASIF) availed school uniforms and shoes upon his request for assistance towards the school.

‘The donation comes in the form of assisting learners who are in need of school uniforms but due to financial constraints, their parents are unable to afford a proper uniforms,’ he stated.

He added that the mission is to ensure that all children, regardless of background, can have proper uniforms and feel a sense of belonging within their schools.

Itodo further indicated that their goal is to reach more learners as a uniform represents a school’s identity, tradition and values.

The school’s pr
incipal, Gabhard Amunyela, stated that the donation will make a difference in the lives of their learners and hopefully boost their morale in school.

‘Many of the parents are struggling to buy proper school uniforms,’ he said, thanking the organisation for the donation as such initiatives go a long way to empowering the Namibian child.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency