Rural public schools in Namibia continue to face numerous challenges that affect schools’ performance and the quality of education. Lack of proper infrastructure, skilled teachers and teaching materials are some examples.
From this background, the EduVision Project came to the realisation to challenge the ever-changing needs of the communities and address the unfortunate narrative of lack of proper infrastructure the teachers and
the learners in rural Namibia through online learning. The Capricorn Foundation contributed N$540 000 to EduVision in its financial year that ended on 30 June 2022.
The support of various stakeholders, such as the Capricorn Foundation, enables EduVision to lessen academic imbalances between urban and remote schools in Namibia. EduVision provides internet, equipment and training to teachers and grade 10 to 12 learners in the subjects of Physics, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry according to the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary and Advanced Subsidiary levels.
Founded in 2018, the project began at the Tsumkwe Secondary School in the Otjozondjupa region. Today, the project supports 15 schools across the country in Otjozondjupa, Kunene, Kavango West, Hardap and Omaheke regions.
“The EduVision project is the first of its kind in Namibia. We have teachers from the EduGate Academy in Otjiwarongo, who give live lessons on request, and the different schools join online and participate in these sessions and ask questions. Furthermore, there are also pre-recorded sessions available on the EduVision portal for learners and the teachers to go through the recordings in their own time. Our aim is not to take the place of any teacher but to support them in their roles,” said Jurita Potgieter, EduVision project coordinator.
Executive officer of the Capricorn Foundation Marlize Horn said: “Education is one of the Capricorn Foundation’s primary focus areas, and as Connectors of Positive Change, partnering with EduVision in supporting schools is pivotal to help improve the quality of education and give the Namibian child in rural Namibia the same access to learning opportunities as their peers in urban Namibia. We are proud of our partnership with EduVision since 2020 in providing access to rural school learners and teachers to quality education”.