Significant shortcomings in Namibia’s schools!
Children and young people need our support more than ever through the guardian angel programme at steps for children.
On International Day of Education We want to draw attention to the significant shortcomings in Namibia the school system. Some factors influencing the deficits in Namibia’s education system:
- Only now, after almost three years of the pandemic, has the actual, unabridged curriculum been reintroduced at government schools (state schools).
- Overcrowded classrooms – 40-50 pupils per class. Individual support is not possible here.
- State funding per pupil amounts to N$19 per month – equivalent to just under €1. School materials such as textbooks and writing utensils must be purchased from this.
- Although school fees have been abolished and were actually supposed to be replaced by government subsidies, parents are still being asked to pay school fees on a „voluntary“ basis.
These are just some of the factors that contributed to many children and young people barely passing their final exams, to the fact that final grades were devastating last year, and that the desired points score for the Abitur can often only be achieved in a repeat year – if at all.*
What steps for children does:
With our steps Schutzengel programme, we offer educational opportunities for children and young people from the poorer districts in Namibia.
They receive comprehensive and necessary support from skilled teachers, educators and volunteers: during the week, homework help and tuition in the core subjects of maths and English are offered in the afternoons at our steps facilities. The young people are taught in small groups, and in some cases also receive one-to-one support. And they go into afternoon lessons strengthened by a warm lunch – a healthy snack in between is also a must.
What you can do:
Become a guardian angel and support our programme for a total of over 140 guardian angel children and young people!
With an annual contribution you finance*:
- School materials such as pens, exercise books, rulers, erasers
- School uniforms
- Textbooks
- Midday meals in our steps facilities
- Travel costs to the secondary school
Support one of our guardian angel children with €1 per day and secure educational opportunities, close and loving care, as well as daily, healthy nutrition.
*With your donation, you do not support a specific child; it goes into our pool to finance our guardian angel programme. This ensures that all enrolled children are supported.
Sources: Financial hardship in the education sector, AZ 23.12.22; Construction site state schools, AZ 12.1.23
Photo 1: © steps for children/Namafu
Photo 2 – 4: © steps for children
