Jessy Tuna Abraham on the Namibia National Students Organization’s (NANSO) Efforts for Educational Progress

 

November 14, 2024
By Leonard Witbeen

In an insightful conversation with Miss Jessy Tuna Abraham, the National Executive Council Spokesperson of the Namibia National Students Organization (NANSO), she shared updates on the organization’s ongoing efforts to address some of the critical challenges facing the Namibian education system. This year, NANSO has taken a proactive approach to not only assess the state of education in the country but to also push for immediate solutions that will alleviate obstacles hindering student success.

Abraham discussed the organization’s examination readiness campaign, which saw NANSO members touring schools across various regions, from the north to the south of Namibia. The initiative aimed to assess the preparedness of schools, particularly for Grade 11 and AS level exams, and identify any barriers to student performance.

Key Insights from the Examination Readiness Campaign

“We started our campaign by going to the northern regions and assessing the schools’ readiness for the final exams. Along the way, we also observed conditions at primary schools and took note of issues that might hinder our students’ performance,” Abraham explained.

In one notable case, a school in the Kunene region lacked access to water, which was essential for maintaining operational ablution facilities. After identifying this as a critical issue, NANSO swiftly coordinated with the Ministry of Education to procure water tanks and deliver them to the school, ensuring that students wouldn’t face additional challenges in preparing for exams. Abraham noted that while this was a temporary solution, it was essential for avoiding unnecessary disruption to students’ exams.

Another initiative that stood out was the response to the challenges faced by learners in the Oshana region. The local community, including parents, set up tents at the school to allow students who lived far from the school to stay nearby during the critical examination period. This effort, led by volunteers, underscored the resourcefulness of local communities in overcoming geographical and logistical barriers to education.

Addressing Educational Disparities and Curriculum Challenges

Abraham also addressed concerns regarding the disparity in the quality of education between urban and rural schools. In particular, she emphasized that many schools in areas like Katutura and Khomasdal were grappling with basic educational tools, such as textbooks and chairs. She pointed to a systemic procurement issue within the education ministry that has left some schools under-equipped.

“There is a notable issue with procurement in the ministry. Schools often reach out for basic supplies, but the process is slow and leaves many students without the resources they need to succeed,” she said. Abraham further stressed that this delay in procurement exacerbates existing challenges, especially in schools that already struggle with limited resources.

On top of logistical issues, Abraham expressed concern about the new curriculum, which demands a shift toward critical thinking rather than rote memorization. While this shift is well-intended, Abraham explained that the lack of proper training and resources for teachers has made it difficult for many to effectively deliver this content to students. This mismatch between the curriculum’s expectations and the resources available to both students and educators has led to inconsistent results, especially for learners facing the critical challenges of senior secondary exams.

The Path Forward: Ensuring Meaningful Education for All

Miss Abraham’s reflections on the Namibian education system highlight the pressing need for systemic changes, from better resource allocation to more effective training for teachers. NANSO’s efforts this year—particularly their focus on preemptively identifying issues and offering temporary solutions—reflect a more hands-on approach to addressing educational disparities. However, as Abraham pointed out, these interventions are only temporary fixes.

To achieve lasting improvements, NANSO continues to work with the Ministry of Education to address these issues at their root. Ensuring that all Namibian students have equal access to quality education—regardless of their location or background—is a priority that requires sustained investment in both infrastructure and human capital.

“We need a system where students in all regions are equipped to meet the demands of the new curriculum. It’s about giving our learners the tools they need to think critically and succeed, not just pass exams,” Abraham concluded.

As the year winds down, NANSO remains dedicated to advancing these critical issues, striving to ensure that every Namibian child has the opportunity to thrive in a rapidly changing world.