Over 900 learners in the Otjozondjupa region are still without classes.

The region continues grappling with a shortage of classrooms and teachers for various grades.

As it stands, 394 grade 1 learners, 417 grade 8 learners and 110 grade 10 learners in Grootfontein, Okahandja and Otjiwarongo are all without classes.

The regional education directorate said it is working around the clock to find placement.

The region’s education director Gerhard Ndafenongo said Otjozondjupa’s education crisis is two-fold. 

The region is battling with a growing shortage of qualified teachers, especially for grades 1, 8 and 10 classes.

Ndafenongo admitted that the joint shortage of classrooms and lack of qualified teachers for the three grades remain a huge obstacle in the region’s quest to deliver quality and accessible education to all.

“All parents with unplaced learners should report to the inspector of education, who will guide them on available options across the region. 

“We are working hard, and exploring various alternatives to ensure that no child is left without a school. We are also considering introducing the platoon system at various schools – even if it means temporarily – until a lasting solution is found,” said Ndafenongo, who became the region’s education director last year.

The platoon system is a schooling arrangement in which different cohorts of learners use the same school building.

 One group is taught in the morning between 8h00 and 12h00.  The other group is taught in the afternoons between 13h00 and 17h00.

Ndafenongo shared that plans are underway to construct additional classrooms at existing schools in the region.

This is particularly true in highly-populated towns like Otjiwarongo, Okahandja and Grootfontein to absorb more learners, going forward.

-ohembapu@nepc.com.na