2015-02-03Staff Report 2 By Eveline de Klerk SWAKOPMUND - Erongo Region faces a shortage of qualified teachers, particularly for key subjects. The Director of Education in the region, John /Awaseb, says the region is challenged with an acute shortage of qualified teachers for Mathematics, Accounting, Physical Science, Afrikaans, Khoekhoegowab and Otjiherero. Last Friday, /Awaseb said the region, which is already struggling with overcrowded and afternoon classes, is finding it difficult to acquire qualified teachers, especially for learners at the junior primary phase. /Awaseb, who was addressing principals and teachers at the annual consultative meeting with stakeholders in the education sector, outlined the vital importance of these subjects to learners, saying that these subjects are the foundation of the children’s school careers. “These are also the subjects that determine the career choice of our learners and thus we are urging qualified teachers and those with extensive knowledge in such subjects to consider teaching,” /Awaseb said. He reiterated his concern over the shortage of space for learners. “This year is not different from the previous years. It is worse. On top of our normal growth in Grade One, we have placed close to 750 Grade Ones in coastal schools. As long as we have extra Grade One learners every year, we will not be able to solve the problem,” he stressed. According to / Awaseb, at least 10 schools are needed to address this problem permanently. Meanwhile, /Awaseb appealed to parents in the region to actively participate in their children’s education. “Without the involvement of parents, our children’s future could be compromised. Parents have an important role to play in their children’s school career. They need to assist us in this 12-year journey in cultivating and encouraging children’s reading and writing skills, as this is the foundation of their school career,” he said. 2015-02-03Staff Report 2
