Category: Education

WINDHOEK: The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MoEAC) has joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Mother Language Day, with the theme ‘Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning.’

The United Nations (UN) has established 21 February as a day to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity. This is to demonstrate dedication to the development and preservation of mother tongues worldwide.

The education ministry in a press release on Wednesday stated that mother tongues are essential for good learning and cognitive development.

‘The ministry has long encouraged the use of mother tongues in schools, particularly in the junior primary phase. According to research, teaching children in their native languages enhances understanding, engagement, and knowledge retention,’ it said.

It added that preserving mother languages is crucial for cultural identity, particularly in Africa which is home to over 2 000 distinct languages.

By valuing and preserving mother language
s the MoEAC through teaching and learning contributes to the richness of humanity’s linguistic heritage, it said.

‘As we commemorate World Mother Language Day, the ministry encourages all Namibians to take pride in their mother languages that contribute to the country’s cultural diversity. We remain committed to the promotion of multilingualism in education, ensuring that all learners have equal access to quality education,’ it stated.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: The late President Hage Geingob was a staunch supporter of youth activism, whose actions spoke volumes as he worked tirelessly to create avenues for their meaningful participation in national development.

This was said by the President of the Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO), Lucia Ndishishi, during a memorial service in honour of Geingob attended by learners from various schools in Katutura at the Independence Arena on Friday.

She said education was at the forefront of President Geingob’s agenda.

‘He recognised the transformative power of knowledge in shaping the destiny of nations, and his relentless pursuit to expand access to quality education for all Namibians has empowered countless individuals… igniting the flames of hope and opportunity in the hearts of our youth,’ stated Ndishishi.

Ndishishi also remarked that Geingob was not a keyboard warrior and therefore believed in young people through empowering them to drive policy and action, leaving an enduring imprint on the land
scape of Namibian governance and inspiring generations to come.

The youth tribute saw learners from schools such as Hage Geingob Secondary School, Jan Jonker Afrikaner Secondary School, and Goreangab Secondary School paying homage to the late president with electrifying musical performances and heartfelt tributes.

The youth tribute under the theme; Remembering H.E DR. Hage G Geingob: a youth tribute’, was a collaborative effort by several groups, namely The National Youth Council (NYC), the Namibian National Students Union, NANSO and other groups.

At the event, many tributes by student leaders recognised the late President as a leader who believed in the potential of the youth and made significant strides in ensuring they are represented and given opportunities to grow.

UNAM SRC speaker for all 12 campuses, Jayden Ashipala, said Geingob will be remembered by the Namibian youth for his transformative power, blazing commitment to academic excellence, as well as vocational education and the potential it has.

Learners from Jan Jonker Afrikaner Secondary School gave a choir performance that resonated with many in attendance, revived by a vocal performance by the Goreangab Secondary School.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

OMUTHIYA: The Oshikoto Region’s Education Director, Aletta Eises is urging learners to take part in sports and athletics for their mental and physical wellbeing.

Eises said in an interview with Nampa on Monday learners need to engage in sports and athletics for their holistic development.

She said sports build self-confidence, help with skills of socialising as well as motor skills development.

‘Sports activities also enhance the emotional wellbeing of learners and they should engage in all sorts of sport activities according to the plans of the school. Learners are guided in their sports activities by responsible teachers who are their ultimate supervisors,’ she said.

The Ministry Sport, Youth and National Service Oshikoto regional Senior Sports Officer, Ngonyofi Helao also encouraged learners to take part in sport activities at their schools so they can compete on the regional level on 13 April 2024.

Helao said learners must take part in sports to become fit and have healthier minds and most importantl
y take part in regional and national events.

‘We also want our kids to be exposed to new environments and meet new friends in sports as we have many of them in the villages only,’ she said.

Helao further said that the learners should take part in athletics such as the 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1 500-metre events.

The cluster competition will take place on 16 February, the circuit competition is on 01 March, the zonal competition on 15 March followed by the regional competition on 13 April, Helao said and called on schools to allow learners to train before they go for any competition, for learners to keep up with fitness and avoid injuries.

‘We have a challenge of poor to no sports facilities in the region like sports fields and sports equipment in the region,’ said Helao.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

OPUWO: The Frank Fredericks Foundation (FFF) reinforced its commitment to school development in Namibia this week by donating school uniforms to nine schools as part of its ‘back-to-school initiative’ valued at N.dollars 100 000.

Among the schools that benefited from the project is Opuwo Junior Primary School (OJPS) in the Kunene district, where 10 pupils received uniforms valued at N.dollars 10 000.

The donation event at OJPS took place on Tuesday, and other schools are expected to receive their donations over the course of the week.

Suama Shingenge, Frank Fredericks Foundation Public Relations Officer, remarked in a statement read on her behalf at the donation ceremony that the foundation has been a beacon of hope and support for young Namibian athletes because of its founder, Frank Fredericks’ vision.

According to Shingenge, returning to their roots demonstrates their real commitment to the people they serve. Shingenge added that the giving of uniforms is more than just providing clothing, as it is als
o a statement of optimism, encouragement and the awareness that someone believes in their abilities.

‘Today, as we donate school uniforms to these young minds, we are not merely providing them with clothing; we are offering them as a gesture that goes beyond material assistance. It is a reminder that, with a helping hand, dreams can be realised and goals can be achieved,’ she said.

Shingenge emphasised the importance of education in unlocking one’s full potential. According to her, initiatives like these strive to make ambitions feasible for all young Namibians, similar to how Frank Fredericks was able to achieve his own.

The school’s principal, Albert Tjiuma, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that they consider themselves privileged because the donation has provided joy to all those who have benefited.

Shinime Shiimvula Primary School (Ondangwa), PJ TsaiTsaib Combined School (Mariental), Krolein Primary School (Keetmanshoop), Fidel Castro Ruz, Elim, Saint Andrews and Hillside Primary Schools,
all in Windhoek, also benefited from the donation.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

ONAUSHE: The Action Based Organisation on Tuesday handed over school uniforms worth over N.dollars 10 000 to learners of Onaushe Combined School in the Oshana Region.

The school is located about 70 kilometres west of Oshakati and has a learner population of over 300, with 40 per cent of the learners being from marginalised communities.

According to Zackary Itodo, the organisation’s initiator, the Agra Staff Initiative Fund (ASIF) availed school uniforms and shoes upon his request for assistance towards the school.

‘The donation comes in the form of assisting learners who are in need of school uniforms but due to financial constraints, their parents are unable to afford a proper uniforms,’ he stated.

He added that the mission is to ensure that all children, regardless of background, can have proper uniforms and feel a sense of belonging within their schools.

Itodo further indicated that their goal is to reach more learners as a uniform represents a school’s identity, tradition and values.

The school’s pr
incipal, Gabhard Amunyela, stated that the donation will make a difference in the lives of their learners and hopefully boost their morale in school.

‘Many of the parents are struggling to buy proper school uniforms,’ he said, thanking the organisation for the donation as such initiatives go a long way to empowering the Namibian child.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

ONAUSHE: The Head of the Namibian Police Force’s Oshana Community Policing Sub-division, Inspector Thomas Aiyambo, has advised parents to ensure that their children sleep in separate rooms to avoid possible rape incidents from occurring.

Aiyambo was speaking during a ‘Be Safe’ campaign held at the Onaushe Combined School on Tuesday, where he addressed learners on how to stay safe.

He said there have been allegations of children being raped by their siblings and in some of these cases, girls have been impregnated, hence the advice for them not to share bedrooms once they reach a certain age.

‘These situations remain unreported, which is incorrect. Such reports ought to be reported to the headmen and/or teachers, as well as the police, who will conduct an inquiry,’ he said.

Aiyambo also urged learners to walk to and from school in groups to avoid sexual assault and said if they are attacked, they should seek help.

This comes after two recent incidents of rape were reported in the region involving learners.
The first incident was reported at the Etambo dumping site on 16 January 2024, where an 11-year-old girl headed to school was raped by an unknown suspect.

In the second incident, Aiyambo indicated that a 10-year-old girl was allegedly raped behind Oshana Mall by an unknown suspect on 18 January 2024, while coming from school.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency