Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The ministry of education, arts, and culture will conduct a mental health and psychosocial well-being assessment among teachers following the recent suicides of three educators in the Ohangwena region.
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp on Wednesday confirmed that Titus Nuuyi from Enyana Combined School, Nestory Namhindo of Eenhana Secondary School, and Lukas Kalwenya of Ohehonge Combined School had died by suicide.
She said their deaths have left a painful mark on both the education sector and the country.
“The alleged reported suicides of these teachers reflect a heart-wrenching and urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and financial literacy education for our teachers. Regardless of the reasons, one life lost is a life too many,” she said.
Steenkamp said the ministry remains committed to supporting teachers and learners, noting that it has implemented the National Safe School Framework since 2018 to promote a culture of care in schools.
She said the ministry, in partnership with UNICEF, will conduct a situational analysis to examine the link between teacher well-being and teaching outcomes.
The study will explore teachers’ mental health and psychosocial needs, risk factors, perceptions of the learning environment, and competency gaps in the education system.
“The situational analysis will also present actionable recommendations and strategies to improve teacher MHPS, ultimately contributing to positive outcomes for teachers and learners. We must come together to break the stigma and cultural barriers surrounding mental health, especially among men, and provide the necessary resources to ensure that no teacher, or anyone in our society, feels they must suffer in silence,” said Steenkamp.
She said the ministry will work with the ministry of health and social services to raise awareness of mental health and with the ministry of finance to enhance teachers’ financial literacy using existing training materials.
“We call on our school management and inspectors to make regular mental health check-ins and create an open-door policy for teachers to discuss their challenges, whether financial, physical health, emotional, or professional, and to look out for signs of difficulties. Let us encourage each other to seek professional assistance,” she said.
Steenkamp stressed the importance of supporting teachers’ mental health to protect the future of learners and communities.
“Together, we can break the cycle of silence and suffering, ensuring that our teachers feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach out for help. Once again, we offer our sincerest condolences to everyone impacted by these tragic losses,” she said.
