A cry for Namibia’s unemployed teachers

History sometimes unfolds in ways that no one anticipates. When I completed my Bachelor of Education Honours degree, I envisioned a future dedicated to service - shaping young minds, fostering critical thinking, and contributing to the growth of Namibia’s education sector. However, the reality for many graduates is starkly different. Unemployment is a national crisis affecting graduates across various fields. For those of us who pursued education, a profession that forms the very foundation of society, the irony is particularly painful. We trained to teach, yet we sit idle - not because there is no need for teachers, but because the system lacks an efficient and structured way to absorb us.



A unique challenge

The issue is not simply a lack of jobs. Schools across Namibia face severe teacher shortages, especially in rural areas. Some educators are overburdened with high learner-teacher ratios, while others are expected to teach multiple subjects outside their specialization. Despite these challenges, many qualified teachers remain unemployed - their skills untapped, their passion left to wither.



A call for a teacher employment database

The ministry of education must take a proactive approach to address this crisis. Establishing a dedicated database for unemployed teachers could help bridge the gap between supply and demand. Such a system would serve several vital purposes. First, it would allow the ministry to track the number of unemployed teachers by specialisation and region, providing a clearer picture of the employment landscape. Additionally, a centralised database would help ensure that recruitment processes are fair and transparent, reducing the chances of bias or favoritism.



Moreover, by identifying understaffed schools and matching them with available teachers, the database could help alleviate the burden on current educators and improve the quality of education across the country. It could also facilitate short-term contracts or substitute teaching opportunities, providing unemployed teachers with valuable experience and a chance to contribute. Finally, such a system would enable policymakers to plan more effectively for future teacher employment, ensuring that the education sector can keep pace with the nation's needs. If we can create a national employment database for the youth, it seems only reasonable to establish a specialised database for teachers - a profession that directly impacts the future of Namibia.



The role of Nantu and others

The Namibia National Teachers' Union (Nantu) has a civic and social responsibility to advocate for unemployed teachers who are still without placements. While these teachers may not yet be formal members of the union, they are undeniably part of the teaching fraternity, and their struggles cannot be ignored. It is imperative that Nantu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, takes deliberate action to push for a structured hiring system that ensures transparency and fairness.



Addressing this issue is not just about helping unemployed teachers; it is also about safeguarding the future of our education system. By championing the cause of these teachers, Nantu would reinforce its commitment to the profession and ensure that qualified educators are not left to languish without opportunities to serve.



Beyond a statistic

Unemployment statistics may reveal numbers, but behind each number is a story - a person who worked tirelessly, who believed in education as the path to a better life, and who now faces uncertainty. This issue is not just about us, the unemployed teachers. It is about the learners who deserve qualified, passionate teachers in their classrooms. It is about the future workforce that depends on a robust education system.



When qualified teachers are left without work, the entire nation suffers. The learners, who are the leaders of tomorrow, are denied the quality education they deserve. The ripple effect extends far beyond the education sector, impacting every aspect of society.



A defining moment for action

As Namibia stands on the brink of another transition in governance, now is the time to rethink our approach. To those in power, to policymakers, and to all stakeholders in education - we are ready, we are here, and we are waiting to serve. This is a defining moment for action, one that will shape the future of our nation for years to come.



History will remember how we address this crisis - not just for today, but for generations to come. Ensuring that every qualified teacher finds a place in our schools is not just a matter of justice; it is an investment in the future of Namibia.