Digital access key to closing education gap

National ICT convention in Otjiwarongo
Education leaders say better access to technology could help give learners across Namibia more equal opportunities, but warn that digital education must be built on strong foundations.
Rozanne Swart
  • 1 Day Ago

Namibia’s push to bring more technology into classrooms took centre stage when the National ICT in Education Convention and Exhibition (NICE) opened in Otjiwarongo on 5 October.

Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Dino Ballotti, speaking on behalf of Minister Sanet Steenkamp, said digital access was critical to creating a more equal education system.

Namibia’s basic education system serves 968 015 learners across 2 119 schools, supported by 36 092 teachers.

Ballotti said the ministry’s goal was to close the digital gap so that learners could access similar opportunities, regardless of where they lived. “The Namibia we all work towards is one of equality, and that means that funding must have equity at the top of the prioritisation.”

The government has distributed more than 32 000 pocket Wi-Fi devices and laptops in the higher education sector and invested in improving library infrastructure.

However, bringing digital learning to schools, particularly in rural areas, remains a challenge. Unreliable internet connectivity, ageing infrastructure, high data costs, gaps in digital skills and competing demands on the education budget continue to slow progress.

Namibia’s digital education strategy is aligned with both international and national frameworks, including the UN Action Track 4 on Digital Learning and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).

NDP6 aims to increase access to digital technology from 28% to 70% by 2030 and expand national internet usage to 90%.

Ballotti cautioned against rushing into digitalisation without first addressing the basic conditions needed for effective learning. “We must be careful not to confuse leapfrogging technology with skipping foundations.

“Digital education can help us to leapfrog certain stages of technological development, but we cannot leapfrog the basic conditions necessary for learning.”

With the convention coinciding with World Teachers’ Day, Ballotti also highlighted the role educators continue to play as classrooms become more digital.

He said technology should support teachers rather than replace them. “Technology will never replace a passionate and caring teacher, but technology in the hands of a skilled teacher adds great value,” he said.

The NICE convention brings together education stakeholders, technology providers and other partners to explore ways of expanding digital learning in Namibia.

For learners, the goal is ultimately simple: better access to technology should mean better access to learning opportunities, regardless of whether they live in a town or a remote rural community.