Education in Namibia

Education in Namibia is required until a child turns 18. There are about 1900 schools in the country, and about 100 of these are privately run. The subjects taught in Namibian schools follow the International General Certificate of Secondary Education and Advanced Subsidiary Level, which is part of Cambridge International programs.

The Constitution of Namibia says that the government should provide free primary education. But families still need to pay for things like school uniforms and books. Even with these costs, Namibia has one of the highest rates of people who can read and write in sub-Saharan Africa.

History of Education in Namibia

Before independence

Before Namibia became independent, its schools were set up in unfair ways. Students were separated by race and ethnicity, and many did not get good resources or quality teaching.

After independence

After Namibia gained independence, the new government worked to create one education system for everyone. Today, Namibia spends more than 20% of its national budget on education. Schools and degrees are checked to make sure they are good quality by the Namibia Qualifications Authority.

Researchers say this investment is helping. A new teaching plan for grades one through twelve, finished in 1998, has been well received. About 95 percent of children go to school, and there are almost 30 percent more teachers than in 1990. Over 3000 new classrooms have been built. Because of these changes, fewer students are repeating grades, and many more are moving on to the next grade on time.

However, there are still problems. Some students drop out of school, and there aren’t enough good teaching tools or training for teachers. The government is working on plans to improve education and make it better for all students.

In government schools, primary education has been free since 2013, and secondary education since 2016. Public and private colleges charge fees for students.

Education sectors

The National Institute for Educational Development (NIED) in Okahandja manages teaching, learning, and teacher training.

Pre-primary education

In 2008, the government started a program to help young children, especially from poor families, go to pre-primary school. This program ran until 2013 and helped children aged five and six get ready for primary school. Some schools in regions like Khomas Region, ǁKaras Region, Caprivi Region, and Ohangwena Region began offering pre-primary classes.

Primary education

See also: List of schools in Namibia

Children start primary school at age 6, and it lasts seven years, from Grade 1 to Grade 7. The government made primary education free in 2013 so all children could attend school.

Secondary education

See also: List of schools in Namibia

Secondary school takes five years, from Grade 8 to Grade 12. After Grade 11, students receive a certificate. To move to Grade 12, they need good marks in some subjects and in English. Completing Grade 12 leads to another certificate, which helps students continue studying at a university or college.

Tertiary education

Universities and colleges

Main article: List of universities in Namibia

Namibia has two public universities, the Namibia University of Science and Technology and the University of Namibia, and one private university, the International University of Management. To join these universities, students need certain school grades.

There are also special colleges for arts, maritime studies, mining, and other fields in cities like Windhoek, Oshakati, Rundu, Rehoboth, Walvis Bay, and Arandis.

Vocational education

The Namibian Training Authority (NTA) runs several training centers and supports other institutions. They offer courses in skills like plumbing, welding, and hospitality. The government also gives some money to students to help them pay for vocational training.

Statistics

Namibia has one of the higher literacy rates in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2018, about 91.5% of people aged 15 and older could read and write.

In the late 1990s, many children went to school even if they also worked. By 2011, around 600,000 learners were in school, and this grew to about 755,943 by 2019. However, many students find it hard to continue because there aren’t enough spaces in universities and training programs.