Education remains free
Although the government is feeling the pinch of budget cuts, it cannot revoke the free primary and secondary education implemented in 2013 and 2016.
The education ministry yesterday confirmed that primary and secondary education at state schools will remain free, but again urged parents and communities to help where they can to ensure the education needs of their children are met, since the ministry faces severe budget constraints.
The education ministry yesterday underlined that universal primary and secondary education, implemented in 2013 and 2016 respectively, that led to the abolition of compulsory fees towards the school development fund, was based on the constitutional rights of Namibians to obtain an education. “The objective is to ensure that every Namibian child receives quality education, for free, as mandated by Article 20 of the Namibian constitution. The aim is further to reduce the financial burden of parents who otherwise cannot afford school fees in order to ensure that their children stay in school,” Johanna Absalom, education spokesperson, confirmed yesterday. Reportedly the issue of free education, which is facing strain in the current financial climate was debated at the weekend's Swapo Central Committee meeting.
The director of the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC), Toni Hancox, yesterday confirmed that free education is a constitutional right and cannot be overruled. She added that this means not only that the government has to provide all children with an education but also that “government has no choice but to provide reasonable facilities to effectively render this right. So it is not enough just to provide a building. Sufficient qualified teachers and resources and teaching aids must also be in place.”
Hancox added that reinstating compulsory school fees in Namibia would also be untenable because many Namibians simply cannot afford it. In response to alternative ways the ministry could shore up additional funding in tough financial times, Hancox said: “The real question that should be asked is where our taxpayer's money is going? It is sickening to hear about millions of dollars going missing and then in the same vein being told that our children cannot be provided with a most basic need: education.”
She said the government could save significant amounts of money by changing a few costly habits, including the senseless spending on expensive advertisements congratulating senior government officials on their birthdays, the costs of which “provide stationery to around three to four learners for one year.”
One for all, and all for one
The education ministry yesterday noted that universal primary and secondary education was aimed at expanding the access to quality, and inclusive, education for all by eliminating the barriers to accessing education through various interventions.
The ministry reiterated their urgent and oft-repeated call on parents who are in a position to do so to make voluntary contributions to schools, an act that could play a critical role in ensuring that schools operate effectively and cover all needs of learners.
“Parents are kindly requested to fulfil their duties in providing for the hidden costs outside of the school environment as well as accord the school necessary support,” Absalom stated. She said the latest budget cuts would have an impact on the provision of education. “For instance, in regard to the provision of textbooks, the ministry will not be able to reach the targeted 1:1 learner–textbook ratio at schools that have not yet reached the target.”
She added that although the ministry plays the primary role in the provision of the direct costs associated with the school environment, including resources and facilities, “parents still have the obligation towards the education of their children, hence the call for parents to support schools.”
She warned that while schools can carry out fundraising activities and obtain voluntary contributions, they should focus on essential and critical needs and cut down on non-essential spending.
JANA-MARI SMITH
The education ministry yesterday underlined that universal primary and secondary education, implemented in 2013 and 2016 respectively, that led to the abolition of compulsory fees towards the school development fund, was based on the constitutional rights of Namibians to obtain an education. “The objective is to ensure that every Namibian child receives quality education, for free, as mandated by Article 20 of the Namibian constitution. The aim is further to reduce the financial burden of parents who otherwise cannot afford school fees in order to ensure that their children stay in school,” Johanna Absalom, education spokesperson, confirmed yesterday. Reportedly the issue of free education, which is facing strain in the current financial climate was debated at the weekend's Swapo Central Committee meeting.
The director of the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC), Toni Hancox, yesterday confirmed that free education is a constitutional right and cannot be overruled. She added that this means not only that the government has to provide all children with an education but also that “government has no choice but to provide reasonable facilities to effectively render this right. So it is not enough just to provide a building. Sufficient qualified teachers and resources and teaching aids must also be in place.”
Hancox added that reinstating compulsory school fees in Namibia would also be untenable because many Namibians simply cannot afford it. In response to alternative ways the ministry could shore up additional funding in tough financial times, Hancox said: “The real question that should be asked is where our taxpayer's money is going? It is sickening to hear about millions of dollars going missing and then in the same vein being told that our children cannot be provided with a most basic need: education.”
She said the government could save significant amounts of money by changing a few costly habits, including the senseless spending on expensive advertisements congratulating senior government officials on their birthdays, the costs of which “provide stationery to around three to four learners for one year.”
One for all, and all for one
The education ministry yesterday noted that universal primary and secondary education was aimed at expanding the access to quality, and inclusive, education for all by eliminating the barriers to accessing education through various interventions.
The ministry reiterated their urgent and oft-repeated call on parents who are in a position to do so to make voluntary contributions to schools, an act that could play a critical role in ensuring that schools operate effectively and cover all needs of learners.
“Parents are kindly requested to fulfil their duties in providing for the hidden costs outside of the school environment as well as accord the school necessary support,” Absalom stated. She said the latest budget cuts would have an impact on the provision of education. “For instance, in regard to the provision of textbooks, the ministry will not be able to reach the targeted 1:1 learner–textbook ratio at schools that have not yet reached the target.”
She added that although the ministry plays the primary role in the provision of the direct costs associated with the school environment, including resources and facilities, “parents still have the obligation towards the education of their children, hence the call for parents to support schools.”
She warned that while schools can carry out fundraising activities and obtain voluntary contributions, they should focus on essential and critical needs and cut down on non-essential spending.
JANA-MARI SMITH
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article