ONGWEDIVA - The number of learners who have enrolled in schools this year in the Ohangwena region has increased by 3.3%.

Highlighted in the State of the Region Address, it shows that the number of learners in 2022 was at 117 310, but now stands at 121 261.

Ohangwena governor Walde Ndevashiya said the numbers increased with 3 951 more learners.

“The high enrolment of learners increased the number of schools in the region, and also caused an increase in the number of schools offering Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) level,” he added.

The Directorate of Education, Arts and Culture ranked the region at number eight in the NSSCAS, where 31.5% learners obtained quality symbols. However, only 22% learners managed to get “quality symbols” at Ordinary level.

Ndevashiya maintained that the region is committed to ensuring that all learners have access to education, attend school within their proximity, and finish their primary and secondary education with relevant knowledge and skills. 

“In an effort to improve and enhance performances in schools, learning support programmes are being implemented to support learners with learning difficulties. Career fairs also expose learners to various career choices, and give them a positive start in their career searches,” he stated.

The region has 29 schools with grade one, and providing family literacy programmes to a total of 587 parents and caregivers. 

“A total number of 2 672 community members, males and females, have been trained in 23 types of skills through the community learning and development centre’s annual grant,” said Ndevashiya.

For the financial year 2023/2024, the education ministry - through August 26 - plans to construct 46 classrooms and nine ablution facilities. Projects have commenced, and will run until August.

(Enrolment)

Caption: High enrolment… Governor of Ohangwena region Walde Ndevashiya.

Picture: Contributed