Aschool management and analytics software for improved learning and teaching experience is offering Namibian schools a chance to participate in a pilot project, with all expenses covered by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the EstDev project.
The goal is to ensure teachers and administrators actively use the system for daily tasks, said Sylvester Gawanab, eKool Namibia account manager.
“Our mission is clear: to track student progress, support educators in their daily tasks and deliver real-time analytical reports to schools. The best part? The pilot project comes at no cost to the participating schools – thanks to funding provided by EMFA,” he noted.
eKool was developed in close collaboration with the Estonian ministry of foreign affairs (EMFA) and presents a fully integrated school management system.
Gawanab told New Era that although the software was produced in Estonia, it was designed for Namibia, “hence our decision to register locally and create employment locally and serve our Namibian community,” Gawanab said.
He explained that the pilot period spans a minimum of three months, during which the system and services are provided free of charge. After this period, pricing will be determined, based on the number of students. Discounts are available for schools that refer others.
Gawanab was delighted to announce that the education ministry has given its green light to eKool, allowing the company to proceed with its pioneering pilot project.
The key condition is that eKool’s undertaking imposes no obligations on any school or government entity. Instead, eKool is advised to engage with regional education directors.
“Earlier this year, we signed the MoU with the TUN (Teachers Union of Namibia). They understood and welcomed eKool Namibia to be implemented into our education system,” said Gawanab proudly.
Introducing eKool
eKool AS, based in Estonia, developed and owns the innovative eKool.ug (eKool) software solution, developed in partnership with local authorities and the Estonian government. Estonia is renowned for its education system, with 15-year-olds achieving top scores in Europe and ranking third globally, according to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD).
eKool brings together students, families, schools and supervisory bodies, backed by two decades of experience providing software solutions to schools. Currently operating in four countries, over 75% of Estonian schools use eKool daily for communication between schools, homes and governments.
Functionality
eKool is a user-friendly web and mobile-based school management system that replaces traditional paper-based methods. It significantly reduces teachers’ administrative workload, with Estonian teachers saving up to 45 minutes daily. Moreover, it has contributed to a 30% reduction in student absenteeism in five years. Parents are more engaged, with up to 93% checking grades and 87% reviewing assignments via mobile phones and computers.
Gawanab added that eKool simplifies school management with a “once-only” principle, ensuring data inputted once is available to all relevant parties, covering grades, assignments, homework, lesson descriptions and more.
“The system can be customised to meet each school’s unique requirements, including curricula, grading systems and enrolment.”
The platform includes a built-in messaging app, facilitating communication between schools and homes. Parents can also send absence and sick-day alerts while staying informed about school activities.
He noted the pilot period spans a minimum of three months, during which the system and services are provided free of charge. After this period, pricing will be determined based on the number of students. Discounts are available for schools that refer others.
Data security and confidentiality
eKool’s services comply with all relevant legislation, including the Personal Data Protection Act, ensuring data security and confidentiality.
According to Gawanab, eKool is poised to contribute significantly to the Namibian education, aligning with Vision 2030 and educational policies.
“The potential benefits include improved quality and relevance, increased efficiency and effectiveness, as well as seamless integration of ICT into education. With eKool’s pilot project, Namibian schools have a golden opportunity to embrace innovation, streamline processes and ultimately provide a better education for their students.”
For more information, contact 0857779780 or 0857779779.