Walvis Bay schools overcrowded

The issue of overcrowded schools and a lack of sufficient space to accommodate grade one and eight learners continues in Walvis Bay.Acting circuit inspector for Walvis Bay, Joseph Martin, explained that about 800 learners hoping for a grade one and eight placement still need to be allocated places at schools."We have enrolled 1 070 learners for grade one for 2023. We still have parents knocking at our door, and by August 2022, 440 learners are still in need of placement. Our schools have reached their carrying capacity and our classrooms are overcrowded."He said "in terms of grade eights, we have a lot of grade sevens, and our secondary schools could only accommodate 1 012. A total of 444 students have not yet been allocated to a secondary school. The schools that have accommodated the 1 012 grade eights are filled beyond their carrying capacity."He added that the 444 students who still need to be accommodated is "highest record thus far of learners not accommodated at a secondary school."Help neededHe said the town is in dire need of an additional primary and secondary school.He said if anyone can assist "we will embrace the assistance. We need classrooms, and land to construct these classrooms, as well as finances."Among the additional challenges faced by the schools is a lack of textbooks."Other challenges include the lack of exercise books, chairs, and desks. We are calling on every Namibian to help us address these challenges. Any and all help is appreciated."He underlined that "education cannot only be taken care of by the government, all of us need to do our part. I am challenging every Namibian to come on board, to ensure that our children are educated in a conducive and inviting environment. Our classrooms are filled to the brim, with some even accommodating 50 learners at once, due to lack of space."Good newsIn terms of grade 11 and AS levels, he said the schools are doing very well."Our teachers are doing well, and the past year’s results were okay, but we are hoping to be tops again. Why can’t we try and at least have five learners in the top ten for this academic year? Thus, I am not worried at all."He advised teachers not to give up."The challenges you are facing now are a test of your ability. Make these challenges your stepping stone to success. The success of education depends on us all. Failure is very expensive. Once we fail at something, it costs a lot, not in terms of money, but in time and effort. If we are united in our approach; the Walvis Bay circuit will be top."

Walvis Bay schools overcrowded

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-24

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Walvis Bay schools overcrowded

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-24

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