UNAM and TaRL join forces to strengthen teacher training
Agreement set to boost foundational learning across Namibia
Last Friday, the University of Namibia (UNAM) and Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the start of a five-year partnership aimed at improving foundational literacy and numeracy in Namibia.
Speaking at the signing, Angelica Towne-Omporo, Country Director of Meerkat Learning, emphasised the significance of the agreement. “We are excited to sign our first MoU with the University of Namibia to integrate Teaching at the Right Level into pre-service teacher training. We look forward to five years of partnership and to seeing foundational literacy and numeracy improve in Namibia as a result of our collaboration.”
John Nyambe, Associate Dean of the School of Education at UNAM’s Khomasdal campus, highlighted the academic value of the partnership, stating: “As a school, we are excited about this collaboration with the TaRL learning project. The partnership will enrich our teacher education programmes, particularly by strengthening our pedagogical approaches. We see TaRL as a highly engaging, participatory pedagogy, enriched with fun, which will enhance student learning. We look forward to this collaboration over the next five years and beyond.”
Looking ahead, Star Katjariwa, Programme Coordinator for TaRL Model Schools and School-Based Studies (SBS) Implementation, emphasised the impact on practical teacher training.
“In 2026, we hope for SBS implementation by fourth-year students from all campuses. During their school placements, they will be teaching at the Right Level in learning centres. Having observed the students, I am confident in the effectiveness of Meerkat Learning Academy and the role this programme will play in shaping skilled teachers.”
The MoU signifies a strategic investment in Namibia’s education system, prioritising effective, evidence-based teaching methods to build a stronger foundation for learners. With both UNAM and TaRL committed to this initiative, the partnership is poised to transform how future educators are trained and how young learners across the country acquire essential skills.
Speaking at the signing, Angelica Towne-Omporo, Country Director of Meerkat Learning, emphasised the significance of the agreement. “We are excited to sign our first MoU with the University of Namibia to integrate Teaching at the Right Level into pre-service teacher training. We look forward to five years of partnership and to seeing foundational literacy and numeracy improve in Namibia as a result of our collaboration.”
John Nyambe, Associate Dean of the School of Education at UNAM’s Khomasdal campus, highlighted the academic value of the partnership, stating: “As a school, we are excited about this collaboration with the TaRL learning project. The partnership will enrich our teacher education programmes, particularly by strengthening our pedagogical approaches. We see TaRL as a highly engaging, participatory pedagogy, enriched with fun, which will enhance student learning. We look forward to this collaboration over the next five years and beyond.”
Looking ahead, Star Katjariwa, Programme Coordinator for TaRL Model Schools and School-Based Studies (SBS) Implementation, emphasised the impact on practical teacher training.
“In 2026, we hope for SBS implementation by fourth-year students from all campuses. During their school placements, they will be teaching at the Right Level in learning centres. Having observed the students, I am confident in the effectiveness of Meerkat Learning Academy and the role this programme will play in shaping skilled teachers.”
The MoU signifies a strategic investment in Namibia’s education system, prioritising effective, evidence-based teaching methods to build a stronger foundation for learners. With both UNAM and TaRL committed to this initiative, the partnership is poised to transform how future educators are trained and how young learners across the country acquire essential skills.
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Namibian Sun
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