loading . . . President calls for united effort to tackle learning poverty 
Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on the private sector, development partners, and civil society organisations to support the government’s efforts to enhance early childhood development (ECD).
Her remarks were delivered at the End of Learning Poverty Symposium held in Outjo. Although the President was unable to attend in person, her speech was delivered on her behalf by the Prime Minister, Dr Elijah Ngurare.
“There is no reason why, in 2025, any African child should be taught in a dilapidated structure without amenities such as water and sanitation, or in an environment of hunger. Early childhood development must therefore be strengthened through qualified educators, stimulating environments, decent classrooms, and community-based support systems. I call upon the private sector, development partners, and civil society organisations to join hands in this mission. Together, we can develop innovative learning tools, support teacher development, and provide alternative learning pathways – especially in underserved communities,” said Dr Ngurare, speaking on behalf of the President.
     
Photos: MICT Kunene Regional Office
The President highlighted that, despite Namibia’s significant progress in expanding access to education, many children still lack foundational literacy and numeracy skills by the end of primary school.
“Data from recent assessments have highlighted learning gaps that require urgent attention, particularly in rural informal settlements and marginalised communities. It is our national duty to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of their socio-economic background,” said Dr Ngurare, speaking on behalf of President Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The President acknowledged that the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has already begun taking critical steps to close these learning gaps. These include curriculum reforms, increased investment in early childhood development, teacher capacity building, and the rollout of assessments such as the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA). According to the President, these efforts lay the foundation for measurable improvements in the education sector.
However, she emphasised that these initiatives must be scaled up and accelerated. She also urged other ministries to lend their support in the fight against learning poverty.
“Ending learning poverty demands multisectoral political will. It requires coordinated support from education, finance, ICT, and other ministries. Learning outcomes must be prioritised in every budget, in every plan, and in every policy conversation. We must recognise that investing in early learning yields the highest returns, and that building strong foundational skills in the early years is a prerequisite for lifelong learning. Special attention must be given to learners with disabilities, children in remote areas, and those whose first language is not the medium of instruction. Learning must be inclusive, culturally relevant, and accessible to all. Education systems must be designed to embrace diversity and dismantle the structural barriers that perpetuate inequality,” the President added.
The post President calls for united effort to tackle learning poverty appeared first on Informanté.
Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on the private sector, development partners, and civil society organisations to support the government’s efforts to enhance early childhood development (ECD).
Her remarks were delivered at the End of Learning Poverty Symposium held in Outjo. Although the President was unable to attend in person, her speech was delivered on her behalf by the Prime Minister, Dr Elijah Ngurare.
“There is no reason why, in 2025, any African child should be taught in a dilapidated structure without amenities such as water and sanitation, or in an environment of hunger. Early childhood development must therefore be strengthened through qualified educators, stimulating environments, decent classrooms, and community-based support systems. I call upon the private sector, development partners, and civil society organisations to join hands in this mission. Together, we can develop innovative learning tools, support teacher development, and provide alternative learning pathways – especially in underserved communities,” said Dr Ngurare, speaking on behalf of the President.
Photos: MICT Kunene Regional Office
The President highlighted that, despite Namibia’s significant progress in expanding access to education, many children still lack foundational literacy and numeracy skills by the end of primary school.
“Data from recent assessments have highlighted learning gaps that require urgent attention, particularly in rural informal settlements and marginalised communities. It is our national duty to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of their socio-economic background,” said Dr Ngurare, speaking on behalf of President Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The President acknowledged that the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has already begun taking critical steps to close these learning gaps. These include curriculum reforms, increased investment in early childhood development, teacher capacity building, and the rollout of assessments such as the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA). According to the President, these efforts lay the foundation for measurable improvements in the education sector.
However, she emphasised that these initiatives must be scaled up and accelerated. She also urged other ministries to lend their support in the fight against learning poverty.
“Ending learning poverty demands multisectoral political will. It requires coordinated support from education, finance, ICT, and other ministries. Learning outcomes must be prioritised in every budget, in every plan, and in every policy conversation. We must recognise that investing in early learning yields the highest returns, and that building strong foundational skills in the early years is a prerequisite for lifelong learning. Special attention must be given to learners with disabilities, children in remote areas, and those whose first language is not the medium of instruction. Learning must be inclusive, culturally relevant, and accessible to all. Education systems must be designed to embrace diversity and dismantle the structural barriers that perpetuate inequality,” the President added.
The post President calls for united effort to tackle learning poverty appeared first on Informanté.
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