Ministry of Education updates school funding policy to address inequities

Rural education learners

“In the past, educational disparities negatively affected the performance of many learners across the country. This inequity is also at odds with Article 20 of the Namibian Constitution, which guarantees all persons the right to education.”

The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has updated the school funding system under the new School Grant Policy (2021-2030). The policy uses a needs-based funding formula to ensure equal access to educational resources for schools in rural and urban areas.

Speaking on the policy, Executive Director Sanet Steenkamp stressed its importance in addressing historical inequities. “In the past, educational disparities negatively affected the performance of many learners across the country. This inequity is also at odds with Article 20 of the Namibian Constitution, which guarantees all persons the right to education,” Steenkamp stated.

The policy’s goals are to reduce national educational disparities, improve rural school services, and provide equitable teaching materials. This includes ensuring that disability-friendly infrastructure and assistive technologies are available to learners with disabilities.

Windhoek High School facilities

The funding model is based on equity, equality, efficiency, and accountability. Steenkamp highlighted that funding will now be tailored to factors such as school location, poverty levels, and access challenges. “We are examining whether rural schools should receive the same amount of funding as urban schools, given the differences in their educational contexts and challenges,” she added.

The Ministry is currently distributing subsidies to secondary schools under the new policy, aiming to provide quality education to all Namibian children.