Auleria Wakudumo
Severe flooding in the northern regions has forced the closure of 87 schools, disrupting learning for over 30 000 learners and destroying six classrooms in the Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshana regions.
In the Ohangwena region, ongoing floods have severely disrupted education, affecting 302 schools, with 16 temporarily closed and six schools suspending classes for lower primary grades (grades 0-3).
Ohangwena Regional Council chairperson Erickson Ndawanifwa stated that the rising waters have impacted more than 7 221 learners in the region, leaving many unable to attend classes.
“So far, Udjombala Secondary School in Ohangwena Circuit is the only school where camping has been implemented. However, the region is expecting five more schools to begin camping in the coming days,” he said.
Ndawanifwa added that some schools in the region have made arrangements, as pupils can’t come to school as early as they used to before.
To ensure safety and give learners more time to reach school, some schools have delayed the start of lessons to 09h00 and 09h40.
“This change was made because learners are now taking longer routes to avoid crossing flooded areas. Walking through the water slows down a person’s journey. Schools have also prioritised the safety of learners as they walk in the water,” he noted.
Additionally, Udjombala Secondary School and some other schools began with Saturday classes to help make up for the lost school days caused by the flooding.
Omusati Regional Council chairperson, Andreas Shintama stated that 26 010 learners have been affected by the floods in the region.
“So far, 60 schools have been impacted, with 47 schools closed, and three schools having dismissed their junior primary classes,” he stated.
Additionally, six classrooms have been completely destroyed by the storm and strong winds. These comprise three at Onaanda Combined School and three at Uutsima Combined School.
The Omusati Directorate of Education is urging immediate flood mitigation measures, including the setting-up of tents or mobile classrooms where feasible for the affected schools.
It also calls for the provision of boats to ensure safe transport for both learners and staff.
Andreas Uutoni, the chairperson of the Oshana Regional Council, stated that over 24 schools in the region have been affected by the floods.
“Among the 24 schools affected, 15 have been closed, while nine have suspended classes for lower-primary grades (grade 0-3) for safety,” he stated.
Uutoni added that most of the affected schools in the Oshana region are located in the Uuvudhiya, Ompundja, Ongwediva, Ondangwa Urban and Ondangwa Rural constituencies.
Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp said the ministry is aware of the ongoing school closures due to the floods.
The number of affected schools continues to increase.
The ministry has delegated officials to work with the regional directors to investigate and observe the situation on the ground, and assess the challenges.
“They will identify the specific problems, allowing for appropriate solutions to be implemented. The ministry cannot make decisions without first hearing from the teachers and learners, or assessing the situation on the ground,” Steenkamp said.
The regional directors and the schools are expected to make decisions to compensate for the days which learners did not attend classes, should the situation improve.
The minister advised schools to prioritise the safety of learners first.