Nanso uncovers severe shortcomings at schools

In the face of escalating educational challenges, the Namibia National Students Organisation's (Nanso) examination readiness campaign has revealed a pressing array of issues plaguing schools - broken down infrastructure, a severe shortage of textbooks and rampant disciplinary problems.

Nanso president Dorthea Nangolo announced the preliminary findings of the campaign, which was aimed to evaluate and improve school preparedness for the upcoming examinations. "This campaign is more than a routine exercise; it is a strategic intervention to address both the immediate and systemic challenges plaguing our education system, she said.

Its first phase covered key regions, including Otjozondjupa, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati, extending to remote areas near the Namibia-Angola border. The initiative aimed to uncover and address issues that could hinder learners' academic performance.

Findings revealed several critical problems. "The main aim for the regional visits was not only to assess the state of schools, but to pre-empt possible shortcomings that may affect the performance of learners in the upcoming examinations."



'Unacceptable and unconstitutional'

In a press statement, the organisation said the first issue was the lack of discipline in schools, which undermines learners' focus and achievements. Nanso stressed that while discipline is essential, corporal punishment is unacceptable and unconstitutional. Schools must foster discipline without resorting to violence, it said. "This matter demands immediate and coordinated intervention from both educators and parents. Discipline is the foundation upon which academic success is built, and without it, we cannot expect our learners to reach their full potential," Nangolo said.

According to the student organisation, the state of school infrastructure is alarming. Many facilities, including Eembaxu Combined School in Ohangwena, are in poor condition, with collapsing roofs and hazardous floors. Nanso attributed this to broader issues of mismanaged resources and inadequate maintenance.

"The dilapidated state of many of our schools is not only alarming, but utterly unacceptable. This is an outrage. No Namibian child should be subjected to learning in environments that fail to meet even the most basic occupational health and safety standards," Nangolo said.

The shortage of learning materials, particularly textbooks, is another pressing issue that was brought to light. However, schools report that textbooks are often not returned by learners, with some institutions losing up to 70 books annually. The mismanagement of these resources are said to affect educational quality and necessitates better accountability, according to Nanso.

Nangolo added that the lack of essential examination equipment, such as science apparatus and computers, is another significant concern. Bureaucratic delays in procuring these materials exacerbate the problem, highlighting inefficiencies in the system, she said.



'Fix My School'

Determined to turn the tide, the organisation is now spearheading the 'Fix My School' campaign, a call to action for a united front involving government bodies, businesses and parents alike. This initiative aims to address these critical concerns head-on and restore the promise of quality education for every learner.

The campaign will see the renovation and repair of school infrastructure with community support, Nanso said. The organisation has called on the government, private sector and parents to collaborate in addressing these issues.

As the campaign progresses, Nanso assured the public that it will submit a comprehensive report to the education ministry, detailing regional performance predictions and actionable recommendations. The organisation further urged collective action to support learners and ensure they are well-prepared for their exams. Its efforts will culminate in the Edu Run Marathon this Saturday to promote educational equity, it said.