NAMUTONI - Deputy director of marginalised communities Rebekka Namwandi has encouraged members of marginalised communities to obtain tertiary qualifications.

Namwandi made the remarks in an interview with Nampa after members of the Hai//om Marginalised Community (MC) from the Namutoni Gate in the Etosha National Park expressed unhappiness with the treatment they get from the government.

The deputy director in the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare said the marginalised communities should apply to study and consult the ministry to assist in paying their tuition fees.

Spokesperson of the Hai//om community at the Namutoni Gate Martha Oases recently told Nampa their rights to resources in Etosha are too restricted on top of being sidelined when applying for positions in their area.

“We are not saying the government should not employ other people, but we also want to benefit… We want work, we are unemployed,” Oases said.

She added that Hai//om youth want to study but do not have the means to do so. 

“The Hai//om youth try to go to school but our mothers do not have cattle and goats to sell to take us to universities,” Oases noted.

She added that the dropout rate is high amongst those who do go for further studies and suggested more vocational training for young people from marginalised communities.

Namwandi acknowledged that the community faces various barriers to education, including the lack of national documents required by the home affairs ministry, making it difficult for parents to register their children for social grants. This, in turn, prevents learners from obtaining school uniforms and necessary supplies, leading to bullying at school and discouraging them from continuing their education.

She also noted that bullying due to living standards, high teenage pregnancy rates, and substance abuse among some marginalised community members all contribute to a high dropout rate. 

“Additionally, some are nomadic, so they move from one farm to another with their kids, not caring about kids attending school,” the deputy director said.

Namwandi proposed several solutions, including the construction of hostels to accommodate learners from marginalised communities, as this would reduce the burden of long commutes to school. She also called for awareness campaigns on alcohol and drug abuse and advocated for simplified requirements and the provision of national documents for marginalised communities.

- Nampa