Semba tears into uninvolved parents

Problems such as teenage pregnancy and ill-discipline can be resolved through parental involvement in children’s lives, the director of education in the Omaheke Regional Council Peka Semba says.Speaking to Nampa, he said such challenges need intervention from parents who are shying away from their responsibilities.“It is an open secret that many of our children are abusing alcohol. When you go to the shebeens you will find a lot of learners there, but the question is, where are the parents?” said Semba.He said discipline should be strengthened to instil a renewed sense of passion towards education as some children prefer to not attend school despite government’s effort to make education accessible.“A parent has a part to play. Without the support of the parents we are always going to struggle. Parents should go all the way in their children’s education but unfortunately, some are simply not interested.” Semba urged parents to come on board in the education of their children, which he said will help them access better opportunities.“Issues such as teenage pregnancies are due to the absence of parenting, what else is there?” he said.The Omaheke Region recorded 232 teenage pregnancies in the last four years. In 2012 and 2013, a total of 68 schoolgirls fell pregnant. This figure stood at 67 in 2014 and 97 last year, according to information availed to Nampa by the directorate of education in the region. “Education starts at home. Respect, obedience and hard work are all taught at home, but when education starts at school level, something will be lacking,” the education director stated.Semba went on to say parental involvement contributes to children’s psychological development, particularly when they notice the interest of their parents in their lives.“They must come during sporting events to support their children, and also regularly visit the schools to monitor their academic performances and so forth; that is what is missing,” he said, adding that education is much more than providing toiletries, paying school fees, buying clothes or providing food for children.“That is not education. You must show an interest in every step of the academic and the general development of your child,” he said.NAMPA

Semba tears into uninvolved parents

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-19

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Semba tears into uninvolved parents

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-19

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