Oshikoto education director Aletta Eises has expressed concern over the rise in school dropouts, especially among San learners.

Eises has appealed to parents to play their part and help keep children in school, instead of luring them to hunt, harvest as well as indulge in early marriages.

The director was particularly referring to pupils at Ludwigshafen Primary School where 15 out of 105 learners have dropped out of school for no apparent reasons.

“Stop taking the children out of school for long periods when they are going hunting or searching for food in the forest during harvest season,” Eises appealed to parents.

“As parents, teach your children to be responsible and focus on motivating them to be better people who in return will help you greatly. Discipline kids to refrain from alcohol and drug abuse as well as sexual relationships. 

In addition, guide and motivate the girls not to stay away from school when they start menstruating and be seen as wife materials to men.”

Eises made the remarks last week while officially inaugurating a dining hall at the school, which she said hopes will provide a friendly environment and serve as a motivation for learners to attend school. 

Ludwigshafen opened in 2009, thus the director instructed the school management to conduct research and see what progress has been achieved since its inception. 

The donation was made possible by efforts from Toos, a German-based good Samaritan, Tulipamwe Investment, Neethling and De Wet families. 

“We will only be able to secure an excellent future for the young if we invest in education.  Investment in education means we are investing in the future leaders of the country,” she said. 

She added government and the ministry of education on their own will not be able to answer the challenges of all the schools.  The Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust also donated a fridge, freezer and cutleries worth N$8 700. 

“No windows should be broken. No one should write on the tables and walls.  Use the investors’ resources only for the purpose for which they are supposed to be used,” Eises cautioned.