Education Ministry invests in early learning initiatives

During the opening of the 6th Children’s Parliament, UNICEF Representative to Namibia, Samuel Kweku, pointed out ongoing difficulties in keeping children in school, with 22% of Grade 4 learners repeating the grade in 2023. Kweku called for urgent investments in Foundational Literacy and Numeracy to address the learning crisis and transform the education system.

Edda Bohn, Deputy Executive Director of the Ministry of Education, however explained that Grade 4 marks a critical transition where English becomes the medium of instruction. This change poses challenges for learners, indicating the need for a strong educational foundation.

To support this, the Ministry has implemented the “Strengthening Foundational Learning” program, which focuses on early childhood development through grades 1 to 3. Bohn noted that teachers in pre-primary and early grades have been trained in Jolly Phonics, a phonics program designed to enhance reading skills from an early age.

Beyond this initiative, the Ministry plans to roll out additional programs targeting foundational numeracy, currently being piloted in select schools. Continuous professional development for teachers is also a priority, aimed at equipping them with the skills necessary to support students facing learning difficulties.

Bohn affirmed that these efforts align with the ministry’s commitment to improving foundational learning in collaboration with UNICEF. By investing in these areas, the ministry aims to reduce the rate of repetition in Grade 4 and ensure all learners attain the necessary competencies for their educational journey.