Free education sparks huge learner influx

WINDHOEK SELMA IKELA Primary school learner enrolment countrywide has shot by up by over 15 000, following the introduction free Universal Primary Education (UPE), and retired teachers may now be roped in to deal with the influx. The Ministry of Education has also made it crystal clear that UPE funds should not be used for anything else but free education. Kavango Region saw an increase of 3 618 learners enrolled this year, followed by Oshikoto Region with 3 226, Caprivi with 1 536, Khomas with 1 653 and Erongo with1 536 more pupils than the previous academic year. In Ohangwena Region learner enrolment increased by only 186 pupils, while in Karas Region enrolment was up by 383. In the Otjozondjupa Region learner enrolment decreased by 598 pupils, compared to the previous year. The enrolment figures were unveiled at the Karas Education Conference on UPE, held recently. Minister of Education Dr David Namwandi announced last week that N$162 million had been allocated in the 2013/2014 academic year to the country's 13 regions to implement UPE. The money will cater for 386 675 enrolled learners, with each child receiving N$418. The funds will be disbursed to the regions before end of June. The Ministry of Education's Deputy Director of Programmes and Quality Assurance, Gqwede Mzingisi, said in his presentation at the Karas Education Conference that to deal with the influx of pupils, retired teachers may be recruited. The ministry was also looking to introduce shifts, so that some learners are taught in the morning and some in the afternoon. Mzingisi said free education funds should not be used to purchase new vehicles for the school, construct new classrooms or for the provision of 'soft staff loans', refreshments for staff birthdays, farewells or year-end functions. He noted that UPE funds are also not to be used to pay hostel fees. Parents are, however, reminded that those who are, for various reasons, unable to contribute to hostels fees may apply for partial or full exemption from the payment of boarding fees, as stipulated in Section 39 of the Education Act, he said. Mzingisi encouraged parents to instil moral values, norms and ethics at home and set good examples for their children. He said parents should ensure children attend school until they have completed matric. They should also help children with their homework, attend parent/teacher meetings and make regular contact with the school to find out how their kids are progressing. He also encouraged parents to ensure that children have a meal in the morning, before going to school.