Over the past seven years, more than 10 000 pupils have failed to make it past the first exit point of their educational careers or to qualify for university admission.
Namibia’s education sector faces substantial challenges, characterised by high failure and dropout rates, teenage pregnancies, and dilapidated infrastructure.
The systemic challenges experienced by learners in the education sector are challenges all stakeholders are already aware of. The lack of textbooks, lack of modern learning and teaching devices and resources and the overflow of classrooms are all common knowledge.
The neglect of life skills education and the reluctance to discuss critical topics like sex, HIV/AIDS, and mental health only compound the challenges experienced by learners in the education sector. Often overlooked, life skills education becomes a forgotten chapter in the book of knowledge, overshadowed by subjects like mathematics and biology. This results in the loss of crucial information on sex, HIV/AIDS, and mental health, which are vital for young people’s well-being and understanding. Regrettably, in the 21st century, these topics are still considered taboo, causing teachers to shy away from addressing them.
Education beyond the classroom
A new ray of hope emerges with the #BeFree Youth Campus, a manifestation of the
#BeFree key learnings report. This innovative centre aims to bridge the gaps in
formal education, by supporting young people’s developmental needs. The youth
centre, a state of the art space for young people to thrive, offers students and
learners only the best to help them with their educational needs.
Furnished with modern learning devices and resources, the centre offers additional support that will supplement the educational needs of learners and students.
The #BeFree Youth Campus seeks to change the taboo narrative surrounding
certain topics in school, by providing a welcoming and non-judgmental environment
(nxa vibe) for young people to learn and openly discuss topics like sex, mental
health, and sexually transmitted diseases. By fostering a supportive atmosphere, the
centre enables comprehensive education that equips young individuals with the
knowledge and skills they need to navigate life.
Conclusively, the #BeFree Youth Campus heralds a new era for education in
Namibia, aiming to empower and uplift the youth by filling critical gaps left by the formal education system. By addressing taboo issues, providing comprehensive life
skills education, and fostering resilience, this centre promises to be a transformative
force in the lives of young individuals and the community as a whole.