Katondoka Thomas
In Namibia, since independence, there has been an advocacy for “education for all”, which is the greatest equaliser and the emphasis has been that: “Through educating a nation, we would be able to close the gap between the poor and the rich.” This notion has seen the government introducing very commendable programmes to bring education closer to everyone, such as free education for all, adult education programmes etc. but on a sad note, recently there has been a disappointing issue of higher school dropouts amongst school-going kids. I believe has many factors that are contributing to it, but in this article, I would like to tackle the issue of lack of parental and community involvement in children’s education.
Parents and communities are supposed to be playing a crucial role in preventing and addressing the issue of school dropout. Their involvement and support are vital for creating a positive and conducive environment that promotes academic success and reduces the risk of learners/students leaving school prematurely. When parents are actively engaged in their children’s education, it significantly impacts their motivation, self-esteem, and overall academic performance. Parents can support their children by nurturing and creating encouraging home environments. Establishing open lines of communication with teachers and school staff, by getting informed about their children’s progress and addressing any potential issues before escalation. Instead of such a positive contribution towards a child’s education, parents are more indulged in social issues of alcohol abuse, and children are left in the care of old parents. But the question is, until when?
Moreover, community partnerships with educational institutions can provide additional resources and support systems for learners at risk of dropping out. These can be achieved through community organisations, businesses, and local leaders collaborating with schools to offer mentoring programmes. These kinds of partnerships would not only enrich the educational experience but also provide students/learners with a sense of belonging and purpose, reducing the likelihood of disengagement from school.
The prevention of early school leaving is vital for both individuals and society as a whole. From a psychological perspective, “dropping out from school would have a detrimental effect on a learner’s self-image and confidence, leading to a cycle of self-doubt and fear of failure. School failure can result in stigma, labelling, and marginalisation which have long-term consequences for individuals in terms of employment prospects and overall well-being.
In conclusion, addressing school dropout should be a priority for the educational system. The cause of dropouts multiplies and diversifies due to evolving social, economic, cultural and professional landscapes. It must become more important to develop comprehensive strategies that involve parents, the community, and various stakeholders by focusing on prevention, intervention and providing adequate support. Creating systems that empower students/learners breaks the cycle of disadvantage and ensures a bright future for all. Education helps to reduce inequalities. It also empowers people everywhere to live healthier, it will also help in fostering tolerance between people and contribute to more peaceful societies. When people are able to get quality education, they will be able to break the cycle of poverty.
* Katondoka Thomas Thomas is a second-year student at the Unam School of Education (Khomasdal Campus) secretary representative for External Affairs, chairperson for Peer Educators. Katondokaprince35@gmail.com 0816069473