Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Nghipondoka introduces new Basic Education Act

Home National Nghipondoka introduces new Basic Education Act
Nghipondoka introduces new Basic Education Act

Education, Arts and Culture minister Anna Nghipondoka on Friday officially announced the commencement of the Basic Education Act, Act no. 3 of 2020, which has been operating since 5 October 2023 in Namibian schools.

The new Act replaces the Education Act 2001 (Act No. 16 of 2001), following nationwide consultations with the support of UNICEF, to assess the evolving needs of the education system.

The key findings were that there is a need for an Education Act that focuses on inclusivity, equity and quality.

“It addresses not only basic education, but also adult education and lifelong learning, reflecting the diverse needs of our society. It mandates the abolition of non-voluntary parental contributions, and legal provisions for exemption from such contributions,” she said at the event.

Nghipondoka said with the new Act, the age of compulsory attendance in school has shifted from 16 to 18 years. It also includes a section dedicated to ensuring that learners with special educational needs and difficulties are accommodated within the basic education system.

“The Act puts emphasis on the prevention and management of learner pregnancy, and a safe and healthy school environment, including school health services, and outlining minimum standards for schools and hostels,” she noted.

The minister said the new Act now encompasses lifelong learning and adult education, parental responsibility towards learners, and learners’ participation in school governance. It likewise emphasises issues of learner discipline, looking at the responsibility to motivate children for education, and their disposition for good behaviour and discipline.

“By the year 2030, Namibia will operate a totally integrated, unified, flexible and high-quality education and training system which prepares Namibian learners to take advantage of a rapidly changing global environment in science and technology,” she continued.

The guideline principles of the Act with regard to educational matters are the best interests of the child, the protection and promotion of the well-being of all children, education that is inclusive, learner-centred, focusing on the needs of the learner, who is encouraged to express his or her views in matters that concern or affects them, and nothing for them without them, amongst others. – Nampa