Windhoek
The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture is in the process of reviewing the Education Act of 2001 to bring it into line with the latest developments and current needs of the country’s education system.
The planned amendments aim to meet the challenges facing the education sector in order to ensure inclusive and equal access to teaching and learning in Namibia.
Officially launching the Education Act of 2001 review process on Friday, Education, Arts and Culture Minister, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa said a steering committee, comprised of parents and concerned members of the public, government agencies, teachers’ unions and wider civil society, among other development partners, will lead the process of conducting regional consultations.
“We cannot do this without you, the Namibian people. Let the Education Act not be a document that is hidden on library shelves or offices. It should be a living document that enshrines the hopes and goals for our children and our nation as a whole. So be part of it. Quality education is our shared responsibility,” she said.
Hanse-Himarwa noted that the steering committee, with the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), will facilitate a series regional consultations through the regional directorates of education and law reform. “All 14 regions of our country will be consulted at the selected towns at an appointed date and time,” she said.
The education minister also said the newly amended Education Act will align educational programmes to relevant policies and legislation, as well as national objectives such as Vision 2030, the fourth National Development Plan (NDP4) and Sustainable Development Goals, in order to equip learners with the necessary skills that will drive the future economy.