On Saturday, President Nangolo Mbumba joined the global community in celebrating World Teachers’ Day, emphasising the vital role of educators in shaping the nation’s future.

In a press release issued on 5 October, marking the annual World Teachers’ Day, the President, himself a former teacher, stressed the importance of valuing and respecting teachers’ voices. 

He reiterated the government’s commitment to engaging teachers in meaningful dialogue, ensuring their concerns are heard in every decision that impacts education.

“The government will continue to invest in teacher development, improve their working conditions, and create learning environments responsive to the needs of all learners, particularly the most vulnerable,” said President Mbumba.

 He added that supporting innovation in education is crucial to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

This year’s theme” ‘Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education’, strongly resonates with Namibia’s collective goal of ensuring that teachers not only have a say in the education system but actively shape it.

 President Mbumba also highlighted the ongoing development of the Namibia Teaching Profession (NTP) Bill by the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture, which aims to align with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and the United Nations’ Transforming Education Summit (TES) agenda, as well as Namibia’s Harambee Prosperity Plan II.

“The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture is in the process of developing the Namibia Teaching Profession (NTP) Bill, a step towards aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and the United Nations (UN) Transforming Education Summit (TES) agenda, as well as the Harambee Prosperity Plan II, under Social Progression Goal 4,” said Mbumba.

The President explained that the forthcoming Professional Teachers Act will enhance the status of the teaching profession by ensuring professional excellence, setting clear ethical standards, and promoting ongoing skills development among educators.

As World Teachers’ Day is celebrated, President Mbumba urged the nation to recommit to valuing and respecting teachers, emphasising their indispensable role in Namibia’s development.

Meanwhile, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, speaking at the Swapo party rally in Oshana on Saturday, took the opportunity to express appreciation for teachers.

 “We are all who we are because of teachers. We appreciate your marvellous work in shaping the future of the Namibian child,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah, reminding teachers that they hold the key to the country’s development through education.