• Education

Classroom shortages remain a challenge

A shortage of classrooms is a serious concern for many schools in Namibia.

The problem appears to be worsening, with an increasing number of schoolgoing children being enrolled at various schools.

According to the executive director of the education ministry, Sanet Steenkamp, all regions in Namibia are affected differently.

She said historically, the northern regions, such as the Kunene and Zambezi, are more affected, but due to migration, the Khomas and Erongo regions are equally affected as people relocate to these areas in search of economic opportunities.

According to Steenkamp, school infrastructure is mainly financed through the national budget, the African Development Bank (AfDB)’s Education and Training Quality Improvement Project, and other developmental partners such as Friends of Education.

More needs to be done

Wennie du Plessis High School's head of department, Georgina Kariko, said government has identified the school as one in need of additional classrooms.

Five classrooms are currently being constructed at the school, courtesy of the government.

Kariko said a lack of classrooms affects learners both physically and mentally.

"This affects the learners negatively, as some class groups will have to float from classroom to classroom when they have that particular subject at that time," said Kariko.

She said teachers also often have to resort to providing afternoon classes to cater to learners who are not taught due to a lack of classrooms.

She said the school is grateful, but more still needs to be done in terms of building additional classrooms and renovating existing ones.