Justicia Shipena
The deputy minister of education, Dino Ballotti, has assured parents that no learner will be left without a school.
On Monday schools across the country opened for the 2026 academic year.
The start of the school year was marked with an outcry of school placements by parents.
Ballotti gave the assurance on Monday while addressing parents at Otjomuise Primary School, where placement pressures remain a concern.
He said the ministry is aware of challenges in areas where schools are far apart and acknowledged that Otjomuise Primary School is the closest option for many families.
Ballotti stated that the ministry may use alternative arrangements, such as a platoon system with afternoon classes, when necessary.
“We are really trying our best. No young person will not go to school. But we also know that this is the only school in close proximity,” he said.
Ballotti said officials from the programmes and quality assurance directorate have been deployed to assist schools and parents on the ground.
He urged parents to remain calm and said engagement would continue until all learners are accommodated.
“We appreciate you. You are here for your children. I’m also a father and a parent and we know it’s very stressful. But we’re here to find solutions,” he said.
On the first day of the academic year, Ballotti conducted surprise visits to several schools to assess readiness and learner placement.
He began at Ella du Plessis Secondary School before proceeding to Khomasdal Primary School, where he interacted with learners and school management.
He said more surprise visits are planned as the ministry continues to monitor the opening of schools.
Addressing learners, Ballotti said success should be measured by effort rather than competition.
“We are here to follow the theme, which is the year of success. Every single one will be successful. And success does not mean you will be the best in your class. Success means you’re going to try your very best,” he said.
He encouraged learners to balance their schoolwork with enjoying their youth.
Govt to replace makeshift classrooms
Meanwhile, education minister Sanet Steenkamp said the ministry is prioritising the replacement of makeshift classrooms with permanent learning facilities.
She said the ministry is accelerating infrastructure development, including the construction of permanent classrooms and hostels, to create safer and more supportive learning environments.
“Our commitment is to give learners dignified spaces that support learning and well-being,” she said.
Steenkamp said education remains a constitutional right and the foundation of Namibia’s dignity, identity and sustainable development.
She said the guiding principle for the year remains “foundation first and excellence always”, with a strong focus on early childhood education.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the Ending Learning Poverty campaign, which aims to ensure that every child can read with understanding and perform basic numeracy by the age of 10.
“We must ensure that every child gets the right start, especially in the early grades,” she said.
“Admissions must be transparent, documented and merit-based. There must be no favouritism, no gifts and no bribes,” Steenkamp said.
Steenkamp described teachers as the most valuable resource in the education system and called on them to uphold professionalism and ethical conduct.
She urged parents and guardians to follow official admission procedures and avoid offering gifts or favours for school placements.
Steenkamp encouraged parents to stay involved in their children’s education through attendance monitoring, study routines at home and engagement with schools.
Addressing learners, she urged discipline, respect, and hard work, and she warned against shortcuts and misconduct.
“Success comes from effort, commitment and integrity, not shortcuts,” she said, adding that bullying and unethical behaviour will not be tolerated.
Steenkamp said the ministry’s work going forward is anchored on implementation, improvement and innovation, including the expansion of digital literacy through new learning hubs and ICT resources.
She also highlighted the role of tertiary education, sports, arts and culture in shaping well-rounded citizens.
Captions
Photo 1 – Deputy minister of education Dino Ballotti during a school visit as the ministry monitors the opening of schools.
Photo 2 – Learners return to school on Monday as the 2026 academic year begins across the country.
- Photos: MEIYSAC
