Steenkamp calls for discipline, moral revival in schools
Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp has urged learners, teachers, parents and communities to work collectively to restore discipline and moral values in schools, saying these are central to improving the quality of education in Namibia.
Steenkamp made the remarks during visits to Swakopmund Primary School, Westside High School and Coastal High School in the Erongo Region on the first day of the academic year, where she engaged learners, educators and parents on expectations for 2025.
Addressing learners at Westside High School, the minister emphasised that respect is the foundation of discipline, saying respect for oneself naturally extends to respect for teachers, parents and peers. She warned against bullying, drug use and vaping, stressing that such behaviour would not be tolerated on school premises or beyond the school gates.
Respect and values
“If you have respect for self, you will preserve yourself and not complicate your life. This is a school, there are rules and regulations, and we will have zero tolerance for those who choose not to comply,” Steenkamp said.
She added that cultivating a respectful school environment would help curb bullying and promote safer spaces conducive to learning.
At Swakopmund Primary School, Steenkamp commended the strong interaction between parents and teachers, noting that parental involvement plays a critical role in shaping learners’ behaviour and academic performance. She said restoring discipline does not require financial resources, but rather commitment, empathy and authority from educators.
Overcrowding and migration strain urban schools
The minister also acknowledged persistent challenges related to overcrowding, particularly at Westside High School, which accommodates more than 1 300 learners from pre-primary to AS level. She said the ministry is actively working on decongesting schools in five regions, including Erongo, and that separating large schools into distinct primary and secondary institutions would be an ideal long-term solution.
Steenkamp attributed part of the overcrowding to rural-to-urban migration, noting that many rural schools remain underutilised as families relocate to urban centres in search of better opportunities.
She said government would continue investing in decentralisation and infrastructure development to ensure equitable access to quality education across all regions, adding that strengthened discipline and shared responsibility would ultimately lead to improved academic outcomes.
Steenkamp made the remarks during visits to Swakopmund Primary School, Westside High School and Coastal High School in the Erongo Region on the first day of the academic year, where she engaged learners, educators and parents on expectations for 2025.
Addressing learners at Westside High School, the minister emphasised that respect is the foundation of discipline, saying respect for oneself naturally extends to respect for teachers, parents and peers. She warned against bullying, drug use and vaping, stressing that such behaviour would not be tolerated on school premises or beyond the school gates.
Respect and values
“If you have respect for self, you will preserve yourself and not complicate your life. This is a school, there are rules and regulations, and we will have zero tolerance for those who choose not to comply,” Steenkamp said.
She added that cultivating a respectful school environment would help curb bullying and promote safer spaces conducive to learning.
At Swakopmund Primary School, Steenkamp commended the strong interaction between parents and teachers, noting that parental involvement plays a critical role in shaping learners’ behaviour and academic performance. She said restoring discipline does not require financial resources, but rather commitment, empathy and authority from educators.
Overcrowding and migration strain urban schools
The minister also acknowledged persistent challenges related to overcrowding, particularly at Westside High School, which accommodates more than 1 300 learners from pre-primary to AS level. She said the ministry is actively working on decongesting schools in five regions, including Erongo, and that separating large schools into distinct primary and secondary institutions would be an ideal long-term solution.
Steenkamp attributed part of the overcrowding to rural-to-urban migration, noting that many rural schools remain underutilised as families relocate to urban centres in search of better opportunities.
She said government would continue investing in decentralisation and infrastructure development to ensure equitable access to quality education across all regions, adding that strengthened discipline and shared responsibility would ultimately lead to improved academic outcomes.
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Namibian Sun
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