Matheus David
The 2026 academic year has officially begun, with a renewed emphasis on quality education, discipline, and innovation in Namibia’s schools. Sanet Steenkamp, the education minister, addressed school personnel, parents, community leaders, and students, urging everyone involved to work together to lay a solid basis for the nation’s future.
In a media statement yesterday, the ministry of education clarified that government funds have already been provided to regions and schools for buying school stationery. The minister said in terms of Circular form Ed: 5 of 2023- Stationery Guidelines to schools, regions are required to procure and supply minimum core stationery items for all learners. This includes pen, pencils, rulers and erasers. Parents should be required to purchase core stationery items, such as exercise books and basic writing materials that are already provided through government funding.
However, parents are advised to buy additional learning materials that are not part of the government provision. These may include additional colouring books or activity books for home use, extra colouring pencils, crayons, school buds and lunch boxes, personal stationery for home study and protective book covers of folders beyond prescribed flip files.
Parents and guardians who experience undue pressure to purchase core stationery items are encouraged to report such cases to their respective regional education offices.
Delivering a back-to-school message, the minister restated the ministry’s commitment to the constitutional right of every child to access quality education. “Education serves as the strongest foundation, shaping our nation’s dignity, identity, and sustainable development,” she said, underscoring the guiding principle for 2026: “Foundation first, excellence always.”
The ministry’s focus for this year includes the continuation of the Ending Learning Poverty Campaign, which aims to ensure that every child can read and comprehend a text and perform basic numeracy tasks by the age of 10. Steenkamp congratulated regional directors, principals, teachers, and other stakeholders for their dedication to creating safe, orderly, and supportive learning environments.
She said the school principals need to serve with integrity and fairness, making sure that admission of learners are transparent and merit-based. There is no room for favouritism or bribery. Teachers are encouraged to play their role in nurturing learners’ curiosity, critical thinking, and character, while maintaining professionalism and ethical conduct at all times.
Parents and guardians are reminded to actively support learners through consistent school attendance, study routines, and engagement with school leadership. Steenkamp said success requires effort, commitment, and integrity, and warned learners to avoid shortcuts, bullying, and unethical behaviour.
The ministry’s education strategy is based on three pillars: implementation, improvement, and innovation.
The Accelerated Infrastructure Development Plan will replace makeshift structures with permanent classrooms and hostels. The new ministerial project charter will expand digital literacy by providing digital learning hubs and ICT resources.
Steenkamp also pointed out the importance of sports, arts, and culture in developing learners’ confidence, creativity, and teamwork, which are vital for life and nation-building. Learners are urged to explore their talents while taking pride in their identity, heritage, and aspirations.
Speaking at Ella du Plessis Secondary School in Windhoek yesterday, Education Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti told learners to begin the school year with dedication and a positive mindset. He said that the ministry is working closely with schools to guarantee that no young person in Namibia is left without a school placement.
Minister Steenkamp officially declared the 2026 academic year open, calling on all Namibians, students, educators, and communities alike to embrace a year of growth, excellence, and shared responsibility.
–matheusshitongenidavid@gmail.com
