OTJIWARONGO – More than 150 school principals, teachers and learners from across the Otjozondjupa region on Friday gathered at Otjiwarongo to launch their 2026 education academic year. 

During the regional conference, Otjozondjupa education director Gerhard Ndafenongo also presented the 2025 academic school results, coupled with a detailed analysis of the Grade 11 and Grade 12 results. 

The Otjozondjupa education directorate was ranked 10th in the Grade 11 results nationally in 2024. 

It slipped to 11th place in 2025, said Ndafenongo. 

“This year, we intend to establish strong practices, including increasing the presence of teachers, involving parents and ensuring principals lead by listening to the needs of community members,” Ndafenongo stated. 

He said, even though the 2025 Grade 11 performance worsened, in general, there is a regional improvement in schools, as out of 25 schools with Grade 11 in the region, 15 improved in their performances. 

The director acknowledged that other regions are working equally hard, creating a highly competitive environment that requires Otjozondjupa stakeholders to “work extra hard” to regain ground. 

Several key stakeholders also attended the conference, including regional and local authority counci llors, school board members, parents and education minister Sanet Steenkamp, who participated in panel discussions for improved regional performance. Otjozondjupa deputy education director Chris Tjivikua told Nampa in an interview that there is hope for the region. 

He said the region is vast and demands critical attention. In 2025, Otjozondjupa had 58 851 learners and 1 947 teachers in 71 public schools and 20 private schools. -Nampa