Paulina Ndalikokule

NKURENKURU- The Kavango West Director of Education, Innovation, Sports, Arts and Culture Pontianus Musore has expressed deep concern over the rising number of school dropouts and teenage pregnancies recorded in the region during the 2024 academic year.

Musore made the remarks while responding to questions from Ministry of Information and Communication Technology on Thursday.

He said according to official figures, 809 learners dropped out of school, while 273 learners fell pregnant across seven education circuits.

The highest number of dropouts was recorded in Mpungu circuit with 170 learners leaving school, followed by Ncuncuni 160 and Nzinze 135. The Ncamangoro circuit recorded the lowest number, with 64 dropouts.

In terms of teenage pregnancy, Ncuncuni circuit again topped the list with 66 reported cases, while Katjinakatji circuit had the fewest at 29. Musore attributed these challenges to poverty, hunger, and weak parental involvement. 

He said many families struggle to provide basic necessities such as uniforms and school supplies, forcing children especially those from poor households to abandon school and take on caregiving or income generating roles. 

“Poverty and economic pressures compel children to engage in labour such as agricultural work, informal employment, or caregiving rather than attending school insufficient funds for uniforms, transportation, or educational materials exacerbates absenteeism and ultimately leads to dropouts,” the director said. 

Musore noted that delays in school feeding programmes have also contributed to absenteeism and eventual dropouts, as some learners rely heavily on school meals for daily sustenance. 

As teenage pregnancy remains a pressing issue across the region, Musore pointed out that a combination of economic hardship, limited access to reproductive health information, and cultural taboos are key contributing factors. 

“In some cases, girls engage in transactional relationships to meet their basic needs, while others fall prey to older men who exploit their vulnerability,” he said. 

Many learners reportedly lack adequate understanding of sexual and reproductive health due to discomfort among educators when teaching sexuality education and persistent cultural barriers that prevent open discussions within families. 

Musore said in efforts to address these problems, the directorate has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy and school dropout rates. 

These include training for teachers and principals on policies such as the Learner Pregnancy Prevention and Management Policy and the National School Safety Framework. 

He said the region has partnered with IntraHealth Namibia’s REACH II Project 2022–2028, which addresses school health challenges and school-based awareness campaigns and life skills days supported by organizations such as Youth 2 Youth Namibia. 

Musore said they have also embarked on community and parental engagement meetings focusing on sexual and reproductive health, alcohol and drug abuse, and the importance of education. 

Additionally, a Regional School Health Task Force has been established to strengthen capacity building, coordinate outreach activities, and conduct school visits to monitor progress. 

The director emphasized that the fight against school dropouts and teenage pregnancy requires a united front involving parents, schools, community leaders, and government partners. 

“Addressing social challenges facing learners in our schools takes collective efforts, actions, strategies, willingness, and positive attitude from all of us. Education remains the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and building a prosperous community. By working together, we can safeguard the future of our youth and establish a more educated and resilient region,” the director stated. He said while data for the 2025 academic year will only be available at the end of 2025, the directorate remains hopeful that ongoing interventions will help to reduce both dropouts and teenage pregnancy rates in Kavango West. 

*Paulina Ndalikokule is an Information Officer at the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology