Max Henrich
ONGWEDIVA – Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, has called for stronger partnerships, improved teaching standards and the responsible use of technology to improve learning outcomes for learners in the Oshana region.
Speaking at the Oshana Education Indaba at the University of Namibia’s José Eduardo dos Santos Campus in Ongwediva last week, Steenkamp said quality education should be measured by what learners know, understand and can apply in real-life situations.
The indaba was held under the theme “Quality and Smart Education for the Namibian Child in Oshana Region”.
Steenkamp stressed that foundational literacy and numeracy must remain priorities, noting that learners who struggle with reading, writing and mathematics in the early grades may experience difficulties throughout their education.
She said that teachers need continuous professional development, appropriate resources and support to strengthen classroom teaching, while school principals and other educators should share responsibility for improving learning outcomes.
“Quality education depends on many things working together: capable teachers, relevant curricula, suitable infrastructure, effective teaching aids, safe learning environments and sustained support for every learner,” she said.
Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge expressed concern over persistent education challenges, including poor academic performance, learner discipline, inadequate school infrastructure, limited learning resources and insufficient parental involvement.
He acknowledged the government’s continued investment in education but stressed that addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.
Iipinge also highlighted the importance of preparing learners for a rapidly changing world shaped by technological advancements, innovation and artificial intelligence.
“Smart education goes beyond introducing computers and digital devices into classrooms, encompassing improved teaching methods, early identification of learners experiencing difficulties and learning environments that respond to individual needs,” he said.
Steenkamp similarly cautioned that artificial intelligence should strengthen rather than replace learners’ thinking, urging schools to promote responsible and ethical technology use.
She further called for stronger collaboration between schools, vocational training institutions, universities, employers, parents, communities and government to prepare young people for employment and a changing world of work.
The post Steenkamp calls for quality and smart education in Oshana appeared first on New Era.