The Namibian government has committed to providing a qualified teacher for every learner in the country by 2030. Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp made the announcement on World Teachers' Day 2026, emphasizing that achieving this goal will require collaboration with teachers themselves. The target is part of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture's efforts to strengthen teaching and learning.
Currently, Namibia has 36,336 teachers responsible for over 913,000 learners in 2,081 schools across 14 regions. Steenkamp acknowledged that the teaching profession faces challenges, including shortages of specialized educators, difficult rural working conditions, and heavy workloads. Despite these challenges, she expressed appreciation for teachers' dedication and hard work.
Steenkamp described teachers as "the heartbeat of our education system," noting that they work in diverse environments, from urban schools to remote rural areas and makeshift classrooms. Teachers are increasingly required to perform responsibilities beyond classroom instruction, including counseling, mentoring, and coaching. The minister acknowledged that some subjects lack enough specialized teachers, while educators in rural areas face inadequate housing, electricity, and connectivity.
Since 2019, Namibia's teaching force has grown by over 5,000 teachers, with more than nine in every 10 primary and secondary teachers now qualified to teach. Steenkamp attributed this progress to teachers' commitment to their studies and professional development. The Ministry's Strategic Plan 2025-2030 aims to emphasize excellence in teaching and learning, with a focus on teacher education and continuous professional development.
The government plans to strengthen mentorship and peer-to-peer coaching to support teachers throughout their careers. Additionally, efforts will be made to attract teachers to scarce subjects and rural postings through improved incentives, including housing and transport. Steenkamp also mentioned plans to establish a regulatory body for the teaching profession to protect and raise the status of teaching.
Steenkamp emphasized that standing with teachers should not be limited to annual celebrations but should involve recognizing their knowledge, listening to their concerns, investing in their development, and protecting their dignity. She called on parents, communities, and education partners to support teachers, noting that education cannot be left to teachers and schools alone.
This year's World Teachers' Day theme marks 60 years since the 1966 ILO-UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. Steenkamp urged teachers to take care of their own well-being while continuing to support and inspire learners, reminding them that their influence can extend far beyond the lessons taught at school.
Key points
- The Namibian government aims to provide a qualified teacher for every learner by 2030.
- The teaching profession in Namibia faces challenges including teacher shortages and difficult working conditions.
- Namibia has made progress in expanding and qualifying its teaching workforce, with over 9 in 10 primary and secondary teachers now qualified to teach.
