Grade 11, 12 learners still unregistered - NASA

What initially seemed like a localised issue in the Zambezi Region has now been exposed as a nationwide challenge, affecting even lower grades, including grade 1.The situation of these students has alarmed the National African Students Association (NASA), which has cautioned that further placement delays may negatively affect their academic performance and overall pass rates.NASA claims that even though classes resumed a month ago, many students have yet to be placed, forcing some families to move in pursuit of educational opportunities. To accommodate these learners before the end of February, the group is now urging the Ministry of Education to intervene and ensure that all 14 regional education offices act promptly.According to NASA president Muzani Muzani, “We don't know precisely how many learners are affected thus far but on record, NASA has registered 40 learners through unofficial communication.”He added that some learners and parents say they didn't get space due to moving elsewhere, while others have been forced to enrol at private schools at additional costs due to a lack of space at government institutions.Muzani said that NASA has sent communication to the local education directorate, but has not directly engaged the ministry. We are planning to meet with them next week on several issues, including learners allegedly having to bring their own chairs to school.“The only response received thus far was from the Zambezi education directorate is them informing us that all learners were registered and that if there are still learners without spaces, they are encouraged to visit the office. However, this was an unofficial communication in response to our statement.”One guardian Zone spoke to, Mingeli Evelina Nangura from Sarusungu in Kavango East, said her niece is currently at home because there is no space at schools in the vicinity. “This situation has left her vulnerable to bullying from others who mock her for not attending school.”They have attempted multiple times for assistance from the nearby Sarusungu Combined School, but no help has been forthcoming. “The government must create alternative solutions for all Namibian children who are currently sitting at home without an education. As parents and guardians, we need to unite and advocate for these children. With the support of Muzani [we hope] to ensure they receive the education they deserve.”In Windhoek, Monica Hangula shared her concerns regarding the challenges faced by unregistered learners, citing a lack of school space as a major issue. “We approached several schools, including the Boys School in Dorado, Highline, Secondary School, Goreangab School, and many others, but there is no space.”She also highlighted financial difficulties, especially since her child requires special attention due to diabetes. “He was admitted to hospital at the beginning of the year, which led to a late application. Now, he keeps asking, ‘Is this the end of my school? Am I going to be home for the whole year?’”Hangula said they had been placed on a waiting list.She suggests that the education ministry provides some activities or courses to keep the children busy. “As parents, we must do our best to ensure they are engaged and not out in the streets.”NASA’s Secretary General Rose Kameya said that the primary reason for unregistered learners remains a lack of space and resources in schools. She noted that while the education ministry has reportedly taken steps to address such cases in the Zambezi region, however little has been heard from other parts of the country. “There has been no allocation of students or referrals to help unregistered learners find placements. This is an issue of governance and coordination. As a country, we have struggled with overcrowding in schools, yet the situation does not seem to improve. There is no clear strategy to fix this problem.”Kameya said that NASA is currently working to assist affected learners. “We are reaching out to students who have passed but are yet to be placed, asking them to forward their details. We will present these cases to the regional management of the ministry, and together, we will explore possible solutions.”Remain hopefulShe urged learners not to lose hope. “We have encouraged them to actively search for available spaces. What matters most is that they are enrolled. We advised them not to sit at home but to take advantage of programmes that help cultivate their skills.”Additionally, NASA calls on parents to remain persistent in securing their children's education. “Those who can afford it should consider enrolling their children in private schools to ensure they receive the education they need.”She also suggested that private institutions could help address the crisis. “Private institutions can pledge to sponsor one to three learners in a given region or town. This won't completely eradicate the problem, but it will help.”In reaction, Zambezi Regional Education Director Alex Sikume dismissed claims that there are unregistered Grade 11 and 12 learners in the region, calling it “an unfounded allegation”.“We do not have learners in Grades 11 and 12 who are not in school. When this issue was raised, [NASA] wrote to the Executive Director (ED) regarding the matter, who forwarded the concern to us. We immediately contacted the person who signed it, requesting the names of the alleged unregistered learners,” Sikume said.However, he stated that NASA was unable to provide a list of names. “Since they could not provide the names, we maintain that there are no Grade 11 and 12 learners in the region who are not in school. If there is any learner who is not in school, I want to make it very clear in your news article that they should come forward. They should report to the Katima Circuit,” he emphasised.

Grade 11, 12 learners still unregistered - NASA

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