Christoph Kavuyu Sikosi

On 23 May 2023, the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture released a circular on the admission of learners into state schools in 2024 to outline the admission of learners into state schools in all grades. 

The question we may opt to ask is, ‘How practical are these circular directives adhered to by those implementing admission in schools?’  Stigmatisation in the enrolment and admission of learners in public schools in Namibia has become a growing concern.  According to reports, learners are being stigmatised and discriminated against based on their previous academic achievements and their parents' social status. This goes against the Namibian Education Act as well as enrolment and admission policies.

Despite the noble directives by the ministry, the schools went on to charge for the admission forms against the directives of the formal education circular from the ministry, which makes it sceptical if stigmatisation will be eradicated as supposed to be. The Namibian Education Act states that "every child shall have the right to education", and this right should not be denied based on any discriminatory criteria, such as academic achievement or social status.  The Act further emphasises that education should be accessible to all learners regardless of their background. However, it has been reported that some schools in Namibia are engaging in discriminatory practices, denying learners access to education, based on their previous academic achievements and their parents' social status. 

This has created a culture of stigmatisation, where learners are labelled as "good" or "bad" learners, based on their grades and their parents' connections. If we are to ask about the results of educators placing A learners, could the same be done to educators or should we say all educators were once A learners? This stigmatisation has also led to a situation where learners from disadvantaged backgrounds are often denied access to education, while those from more privileged backgrounds have an easier time gaining admission.  This goes against the enrolment and admission policies of the ministry of education, which emphasise the need for a fair and transparent process in admitting learners to schools.  The ministry of education has acknowledged the problem and has called on schools to adhere to the enrolment and admission policies.  In a statement, the ministry emphasised that "enrolment and admission policies should be based on non-discriminatory criteria, and schools should ensure that all learners are given equal opportunities to access education".

The Namibian public has also expressed concern about the stigmatisation of learners in the enrolment and admission process. 

The ministry is trying all its best to curb uncertainty but some schools are either ignorant or in denial to implement those directives.  However, parents are also advised and encouraged to adhere to school directives and due dates for the application to seek admission for their children.

On another note, SPYL through the department of education will continue to advocate for a sustainable approach to the improvement of school infrastructures from the classroom, administration blocks, hostel accommodation and staff accommodation. 

Furthermore, the youth league is in support of the recent remarks reported by the media on the concern that some schools do not give financial accountability reports to parents, but instead continue to demand contributions from them – uncontrollably in the context of “stop milking parents”.

Stigmatisation in the enrolment and admission of learners in public schools in Namibia is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. 

The Namibian Education Act and enrolment and admission policies clearly state that all learners should have access to education, and this right should not be denied based on discriminatory criteria. 

Schools must adhere to these policies and ensure that all learners are given equal opportunities to access education.

Mitigation measures to address the stigmatisation of learners in the admission and enrolment process are crucial to ensuring that all learners have equal access to education. 

The Namibian Education Act and enrolment and admission policies provide a framework for schools to follow in admitting learners, but more needs to be done to ensure that these policies are implemented effectively. To address this issue, the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL), through the secretary for Education, SPM and Culture, will be submitting a concept and concern to the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture. 

The aim is to bring attention to the issue of stigmatisation and to hold accountable those who continue to discriminate and deny opportunities to schooling for the Namibian child. In addition to holding those who discriminate accountable, the ministry of education can take several measures to mitigate the stigmatisation of learners in the admission and enrolment process. These measures can include:

Creating awareness and sensitisation campaigns: The ministry can create awareness and sensitisation campaigns to educate schools, teachers and communities about the importance of non-discriminatory admission and enrolment policies.

Ensuring transparency in the admission and enrolment process: The ministry can ensure the admission and enrolment process is transparent and that all learners are given equal opportunities to access education. Providing support for disadvantaged learners: The ministry can provide additional support for disadvantaged learners to ensure they have equal access to education. Implementing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms: The ministry can implement these mechanisms to ensure that schools adhere to non-discriminatory admission and enrolment policies.

It is important to note that education is a fundamental right of every Namibian child. The Namibian government has made significant strides in providing free education to all learners, but stigmatisation in the admission and enrolment process threatens to undermine these efforts. 

It is crucial that all stakeholders work together to ensure every Namibian child has equal access to education, regardless of their academic achievements or social status.

*Christoph Kavuyu Sikosi is the SPYL Secretary for Education, SPM and Culture. - csikosi@gmail.com