ONGWEDIVA– Several schools in the Oshana region are battling a bat infestation that is severely disrupting lessons and potentially putting the health of thousands of learners and teachers at risk.
At least 45 schools across various education circuits in the region are reportedly affected. School principals and department heads have raised alarm over the growing problem, warning that it poses serious health risks and undermines teaching and learning. Oshana education director Pauline Shapumba, however, stressed that the regional office has already initiated measures to address the situation. “It was the regional office’s initiative for education circuits to compile a list of all schools affected by bat infestation and those requiring fumigation and renovations,” Shapumba said.
She added that the exercise has been completed and submitted for consideration in the 2026/2027 financial year budget.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), direct contact with bats poses significant health risks and, in some cases, can be fatal. The danger arises not from their mere presence, but from bites, scratches or handling, which can transmit rabies and other viruses.
Teachers and principals who spoke to New Era said bats have taken up residence in classroom ceilings at several schools across the region.
Educators reported that the bats leave droppings inside classrooms, creating foul smells and exposing both staff and learners to potential health hazards.
“The smell is unbearable at times, and the droppings are everywhere – on the floor, tables and even learners’ books. Cleaning bat waste every day is not what teachers are supposed to be doing. It is unhygienic and demoralising,” said one teacher.
Another teacher, who spoke on condition of anonymity after allegedly being instructed not to speak to the media, said teachers and cleaning staff are forced to remove bat droppings from classroom floors, desks and chairs daily before lessons can begin.
Apart from hygiene concerns, educators say the constant noise caused by bats moving in the ceilings during lessons affects concentration and overall classroom performance.
“The noise makes it difficult to teach, and learners become distracted and frightened when bats start moving above them during lessons,” another teacher said.
Educators argue that the matter should be treated as urgent, saying the situation undermines efforts to create a safe and conducive learning environment.
Teachers and principals are now calling on the ministry of education to urgently fumigate affected schools and repair old or damaged ceilings to prevent further infestation.
“We deserve dignity as teachers, and learners deserve to learn in a healthy and safe environment – not one where bats are flying around during lessons,” a school leader said.
Allegations of intimidation have also surfaced, with educators arguing that transparent engagement on infrastructure challenges is key to improving education standards in the region.
– vkaapanda@nepc.com.na