1 460 learners quit school in Kavango West

Kavango West recorded 1 460 school dropouts in 2025, with long distances, poor facilities, pregnancy and pressure to leave school among the challenges facing learners.

For some learners, getting an education starts with a long walk before the school day begins.

Kavango West Junior National Council (JNC) member Robero Hamutenya said learners walk up to 10 kilometres to school, leaving home as early as 04:00 and returning home only around 18:00.

Hamutenya highlighted the challenges during a debate on gender disparities and equal educational opportunities for boys and girls at the fourth Junior National Council session. He said the challenges are driving learners to drop out.

He said poor school facilities were also affecting learners, particularly girls who miss school because of a lack of sanitary products and private toilets.

“Imagine, girls miss five days every month with no sanitary pads or private toilets,” Hamutenya said.

He said boys and girls also had to learn in dilapidated schools without adequate water and infrastructure.

Providing free sanitary products for girls, as well as safe, functioning toilets and classrooms, could help address some of these challenges, he said.

He said data showed that 332 schoolgirls became pregnant in Kavango West in 2025.

Gender roles and pressure at home were affecting both boys and girls, Hamutenya said. While some girls leave school because of pregnancy, boys face pressure to drop out to work and take on other responsibilities.

He said cultural beliefs were also placing pressure on boys’ education in Namibia. Hamutenya called for sexual health education and support for learners, as well as skills programmes targeting boys.