Schools directed to stop rejecting learners over fees

Kavango East education director Christine Shilima has issued a firm directive to school principals in the region, emphasizing that demanding fees during registration is prohibited and that no learner should be denied education due to an inability to afford a school uniform. School starts today nationwide. Speaking during a meeting with school principals on Thursday last week, Shilima reiterated the importance of upholding learners’ rights to education and ensuring fair administrative practices.“I urge school board chairpersons to support principals during registration,” Shilima said. She highlighted that the registration process should not rest solely on principals and called on school board members to be actively involved.Addressing past complaints, Shilima noted that some parents reported being turned away from schools by unidentified individuals posing as teachers. “This is unacceptable,” she said. She stressed the importance of vigilance, urging school board members to ensure no learner is unfairly excluded.Upholding learners’ rightsShilima emphasized that education is a fundamental right and that no child should be denied access to Grade 1 for lacking pre-primary education. She acknowledged the limited availability of pre-primary classes in some schools, such as Ndama JP School, where demand for Grade 1 placements exceeds capacity.“We cannot demand pre-primary attendance as a requirement for Grade 1 admission. Doing so would be unfair and detrimental to learners’ rights,” Shilima said.Strengthening parent engagementShilima also called for improved engagement with parents to foster trust and cooperation. She criticized practices where decisions were made before parental meetings, reducing opportunities for genuine input.“Meetings should be platforms for parents to provide input and participate in decision-making. School boards must engage openly and transparently to build trust and collaboration,” she said.She warned against tarnishing the education system’s reputation through public complaints, urging school boards to clarify their roles and responsibilities to parents.A united approachShilima concluded by urging all stakeholders to work together to uphold learners' rights and ensure no child is left behind.“School board members must ensure that all administrative practices align with the fundamental principle of learners’ right to education,” she said.

Schools directed to stop rejecting learners over fees

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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Schools directed to stop rejecting learners over fees

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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