Monika Amunyela
The Capricorn Foundation has expanded its support for improving literacy and numeracy in Namibia’s Kunene region through Meerkat Learning’s Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Programme.
The programme, which began in 2024 at D.F. Uirab Primary School in Khorixas, originally only benefited 473 learners; the foundation’s investment now reaches up to 1 200 learners and 200 teachers across the region.
The foundation has invested N$798 000 under its education focus area since 2024. The investment aims to strengthen foundational skills in reading and math.
Over the past two years, the foundation has yielded positive results when 1 000 learners from 10 schools participated. In 2026, the program will expand to 15 schools across five circuits, including remote and nomadic communities, and will host the first TaRL-Namcol Holiday Camp for out-of-school youth.
Marlize Horn, Capricorn Foundation Executive Director, said the foundation would like to commend Meerkat Learning for its dedication to achieving solid results and making a difference in learners’ foundational education.
“Meerkat Learning continues to serve as a catalyst for positive change, reflecting our core values and our collective commitment to improving the quality of education for every Namibian child,” shared Horn.
The TaRL Programme has shown measurable improvements in learners’ literacy and numeracy abilities. At Jack Francis Primary School, the number of students struggling with math dropped from 75% to 21%.
At Otjimuhaka Mobile Unit and Ovituambu Primary School, which serve nomadic communities, division-level math skills improved by up to 41%. Several schools recorded reductions of 20 to 50 percentage points in the number of learners unable to perform basic mathematical tasks.
Angelica Towne Amporo, Meerkat Learning Country Director, said: “We express our deepest gratitude to the Capricorn Foundation. This investment enables us to deliver this transformative methodology to the schools that need it most. TaRL is a globally recognised initiative that strengthens basic literacy and numeracy in primary schools. In Namibia, the programme has proven that targeted, level-based instruction works.”
She added that, within a short period, the children became more excited to learn, improving greatly in basic reading and math across different levels.
“As we look ahead to 2026, I am filled with optimism. We will deepen our reach into more remote schools, expand our impact, and continue proving that with the right tools, training, and support, every teacher can help every child reach their full potential.”
-mamunyela@nepc.com