ONGWEDIVA- Hundreds of pupils in the Oshana region are yet to secure places in primary and secondary schools, as the 2025 academic approaches.
Education authorities have been working round the clock to accommodate these pupils, despite challenges posed by overcrowded classrooms and limited infrastructure.
Scores of desperate parents gathered at various schools yesterday seeking places for their children. Despite school starting next week, some parents say their children still have not been placed yet.
Alinah Paulus from Oshakati complained that she had applied for a Grade 8 place at five schools in the Oshana and Omusati regions, but none of them had admitted her child.
“This issue of entry grades has been going on for years now. When will the government address this issue? They must prioritise building more schools with hostel facilities,” stressed Paulus.
Mariina Ndjoba was looking for place for her child after relocating from Erongo.
“I applied as early as possible last year because I knew I would be relocating but my child is yet to be admitted. I am supposed to be at work, but I am here roaming the streets in frustration,” she complained.
Gabriel Taapopi Secondary School principal Eelu Sakaria acknowledged the pressing issue.
“We have nowhere to put those children as classrooms are limited. We only have places for those who have been admitted, and there is nothing we can do at this point,” he stated.
In response, the Oshana education directorate has initiated placement processes to ensure all pupils are enrolled for the upcoming academic year.
Oshana education director Pauline Shapumba advised parents to be patient and cooperate with education officials during this period.
She assured parents seeking school places for their children not to worry.
“We are assuring parents that as a region, we are working around the clock so that all pupils secure spaces,” Shapumba noted.
She added that the exact number of pupils who have been enrolled will only be known after the school starts, and that is when they will know where to place those who are still looking for places.
“This is so because schools will then have stable enrolment statistics since not all learners will take up school places they applied for, or return to the same school,” she explained.
Education authorities are optimistic that all pupils will be accommodated before the commencement of the academic year and encouraged parents to maintain communication with local education offices for updates and support.
Parents have also claimed that placement in Grades 8, 10 and 11 in northern Namibia has become a nightmare, as many pupils have been placed at schools far from home and where there are no hostel accommodation for them.
Martha Shikongo, a parent who was also seeking placement for her child at Mweshipandeka Secondary School in Ongwediva, expressed concern over the placing of learners far from home just to end up in unfavourable accommodation, which is not conducive for learning.
Oshikoto education director Aletta Eises confirmed that hostel placement is a challenge in Oshikoto.
“We have no spaces for accommodation in Oshikoto, it is a serious issue that needs intervention,” she said.