Cecilia Xavier

KHORIXAS - The Kunene education directorate convened in Khorixas on Thursday to re-strategise on ways to better the region’s grade 11 and grade 12 examination results. 

The region had performed poorly in the examinations in 2022.

Regional education director Angeline Jantze urged teachers to do more with less, and to maximise outputs with the limited resources at their disposal. She also asked staff members not to use the challenges being faced as an excuse for not delivering quality education.

She noted that as a region, they are faced with a shortage of advisory teachers, as from the 15 advisory teacher positions, the region only has four appointed. This is mostly
delayed by applicants who file complaints after not being successful, and it resultantly will put a hold on the appointment of the successful candidates.

Jantze further stated that a lack of  parental involvement, alcohol and drug abuse by leaners, and delays in effecting the school- feeding scheme are amongst some
of the challenges the region is facing.

As a result, she indicated that the following solutions should be able to enhance the region’s performance during this academic year: “Team visits led by the director to
schools to encourage, congratulate, motivate and receive the action plans of schools.  One-on-one dialogues. School board training.  Trimester-based meetings with school management to present the implementation of their improvement plan”.

In a speech read on his behalf, Kunene governor Marius Sheya motivated teachers and staff members to maintain a positive attitude amidst the many educational challenges, while applauding the commitment shown and hard work.

He then cautioned teachers against laziness and conflicts in schools, as it affects the teaching and learning process.  

Speaking at the same occasion, Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Faustina Caley said the 2022 NSSCO results call for the urgent revival of the fortunes of the Kunene region as far as academic performance is concerned.

“We need to improve our national ranking. Together, we can do it. We must spare no effort in achieving an improved result. There is work to be done,”  she urged.

* Cecilia Xavier works for the Ministry
of Information and Communication Technology.