Namibia's education minister, Sanet Steenkamp, has emphasized the crucial role parents play in their children's education. In a statement delivered on her behalf by Edda Bohn, deputy executive director in the ministry of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture, Steenkamp stressed that stronger cooperation between families, schools, communities, and government is essential to improving learners' chances of success.
The minister's remarks were made during the official national launch of the National Organisation of Parents in Education (NAOPE) in Windhoek on Friday. The organization, launched under the theme "Parents United for Equitable Quality Education for All," aims to strengthen the collective voice and contribution of parents in Namibia's education system. Steenkamp described the launch as an opportunity to build stronger partnerships around children's education and development.
Steenkamp highlighted that learning starts at home, long before children enter classrooms. She encouraged parents to become more involved through school meetings and activities, as well as through everyday actions such as asking children about their school day, encouraging reading, helping them overcome challenges, and celebrating their achievements. According to the minister, parental involvement should not be viewed as an optional part of education but as one of its key pillars.
The minister also stressed that education should extend beyond examinations and academic results. She argued that schools must help develop learners' character, resilience, creativity, and sense of responsibility. Steenkamp emphasized that education is about much more than examinations, certificates, or academic results, but rather about people. She noted that no single stakeholder can fulfill the role of another in educating children, highlighting the need for cooperation between families, teachers, government, and communities.
Steenkamp congratulated NAOPE's founding leadership, including founding board vice-chairperson Patrina Haingura and founder and interim president Paulus Mbandu Hawanga, for establishing the organization. However, she challenged the organization to measure its success by the impact it makes rather than simply its existence. The minister emphasized that the true measure of success will be found in the positive difference NAOPE makes in the lives of parents, learners, and communities throughout Namibia.
The minister concluded by emphasizing the long-term importance of investing in children. She called for an education system where every child feels supported, every parent feels valued, and every teacher is respected. Steenkamp stated that every learner deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, and that when we invest in our children, we invest in the future of our nation.
Key points
- Parents urged to take active role in children's education
- Cooperation between families, schools, and government essential for learner success
- Education should extend beyond examinations and academic results to develop learners' character and skills
