The Kunene region in Namibia is facing a significant challenge in keeping pupils in school, with approximately 900 pupils dropping out so far this year. According to Kunene education director Sophia Frederick, the region is struggling to address the issue despite progress in getting more children enrolled in school. The high dropout rate is attributed to various factors, including family relocations and a lack of accommodation at schools.
One of the major reasons for the high dropout rate is the lack of hostels at some schools, forcing children to leave school when their parents move to other areas in search of grazing for livestock. Frederick explains that some parents are forced to move with their children to far-off areas, making it difficult for them to continue their education. Additionally, the instability experienced by farmworkers, who may be recruited and dismissed within short periods, also contributes to the high dropout rate.
The region's proximity to Angola also presents challenges, as some children enrolled in Namibian schools later return to their country of origin. Frederick notes that some children might be enrolled thinking they are Namibian, but later return to Angola, affecting the region's enrollment numbers. Despite these challenges, the Kunene region has made progress in expanding access to education, with the number of schools increasing from 75 in 2024 to 88 currently.
The expansion of schools in the region reflects growing community demand for education, particularly in the Ovahimba areas, where most of the additional schools have been established. Regional constituencies are helping to explain the importance of education to communities, with residents submitting applications for schools in their areas. Although some communities do not have enough pupils to meet the requirements for establishing a school, their willingness to seek educational facilities shows a growing appreciation of education.
The education directorate is receiving support from development partners, including the European Union and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), to improve teaching and learning through the provision of resources and staff training at early childhood development centers. Frederick emphasizes that additional resources and capacity building of teachers enhance the quality of teaching and learning in schools. However, water supply remains another challenge for schools in the region, despite the government having drilled 21 boreholes at 21 schools.
The region's hard water damages pipes, leaving schools struggling to maintain reliable water infrastructure. To address this issue, the region is planning to acquire its own water tanker to provide temporary relief while longer-term solutions are explored. Frederick also acknowledges the complexities surrounding child marriage and school attendance in some Ovahimba communities, saying the education directorate does not have reliable statistics to establish how many pupils are married.
International partners are urging for more cooperation to support education in the region. EU ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins emphasizes that a change in attitudes can only take place if community leaders and parents influence transformation. Unicef country representative Samuel Ocran also calls for more cooperation by partners for the benefit of children in acquiring an education.
Key points
- The Kunene region in Namibia has seen a significant increase in school enrollment, with 88 schools currently operating, up from 75 in 2024.
- The region is planning to acquire its own water tanker to address the challenge of water supply in schools.
- International partners, including the EU and Unicef, are supporting education in the region through the provision of resources and staff training.
