Windhoek
Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN) president Mahongora Kavihuhua is disturbed by some principals whom he says are hindering the implementation of free secondary education by charging school fees. The ministry of education is implementing free secondary education this year, which means learners are not expected to contribute to the
school development fund, as was the case in the past.
Kavihuhua says they have numerous received complaints from parents that some principals are negotiating backdoor with parents for financial assistance, claiming they do not get enough from government.
He said this is the same attitude they saw with some primary school principals, who were charging parents after government introduced free universal primary education a few years ago.
He also said the union has issues with some primary schools where textbooks, such as mathematics and vernacular languages, are still not available. “We are urging parents to continue raising the matter with our office,” advised Kavihuhua.
At the same time he asked schools to report to his office should materials arrive at schools late, especially if they are hesitant to raise the issue with government. Kavihuha said if the allocation is not enough they should address it with the government so that they take those responsible to task, but should not use poor parents to cover for the
failure of government in terms of the amount allocated per child, or late delivery of materials to schools.
Kavihuha said they do not want principals to come into confrontation with government policies. “As a union, we will not condone teachers that hinder the sustainable means to address poverty. The implementation of free secondary education is an intervention aimed to address poverty at higher scale.
“It’s a programme targeting the poor to have access to national development and should not be looked at small-scale. If principals are fortunate to have wealthy parents they should also think about poor parents,” remarked Kavihuhua.
He said they expect the government to expand free education to tertiary institutions within two years. Education ministry spokesperson Johanna Absalom said principals are not supposed to ask for money, unless parents volunteer to make a contribution to the school.
“Parents can contact the inspectorate of schools (regarding fee charges) as they are overseeing the implementation of free secondary education,” Absalom said. She further said the ministry had already sent N$30 million to regional offices in November last year, so the money must be available to the schools already. She said the N$30 million allocation is supposed to cover the costs from January to March this year.
During the announcement of the Grade 12 Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) ordinary level results this week, Education Minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa also issued a stern warning to schools who go against the
policies of the ministry. Hanse-Himarwa said she had first-hand information that some schools, such as Hochland
High School, have been asking parents to pay N$500 as a voluntary contribution.
She said some schools are still refusing to admit children if fees are not paid. “There can be a voluntary contribution… and let it be voluntarily. Those charging fees shall be dealt with accordingly and should refrain from doing so. Parents should not be forced to pay any fees unless they do so voluntarily,” the education minister cautioned.