Magreth Nunuhe
30 June 2011
analysis
Windhoek — The power of education cannot be overemphasized and making education free at primary and secondary level would benefit the Namibian society such as earning a decent income, improved quality of life and better governance.
In the words of Francis Bacon “Knowledge is Power”. He asked “When knowledge can bestow the power for so many things, why should it be restricted to a few who have the advantage of wealth? Knowledge needs to be free for all those who deserve it, and what a person deserves should be decided by an individual’s capability and intelligence and not by wealth. The best and simplest way to disseminate knowledge to all those who deserve it, is through free education.”
Education in Namibia is compulsory at the primary and secondary level (from Grade 1 to Grade 10) between the ages of 6 and 16.
Although the Constitution provides for free primary education, learners pay school fees, uniforms, books and hostel fees.
This poses problems in terms of access to education and affordability. Can Namibia afford free education for all learners countrywide? New Era asked some of the delegates attending the National Conference on Education at Safari Hotel.
Harold Pupkewitz, leading Namibian businessman and Executive Chairman of Pupkewitz Holdings:
“We should be aiming for free education up to Std 6 (Grade 8). But there is no use having free education if we don’t have good teachers with heart and soul devoted to make positive contributions so that children can feel confident when leaving school.
I believe in the philosophy of gradualism and not changing in a revolutionary manner. For example, for 2011, free education can be provided up to a certain grade to sustain cost. We also have to see how we can improve sectors that can play a role in contributing to education. We can use money productively to create income.”
Dr Kazuvire Veii, UNAM lecturer in Early Childhood Development:
“It is a question of political will. If Cuba could do it, why can’t we? We should be informed through research and can’t decide on one industry that should drive resources towards education. Free education has its advantages. Chances will be very little that a 14-year-old would be sitting at home because they can’t afford school fees. Education should be free at least up to secondary level to solve problems such as illiteracy. The sooner free education is introduced, the better.”
Dr Joseph Diescho, Namibian writer and political analyst and director of the International Relations and Partnerships Office at UNISA:
“It is not only possible to make education free in Namibia but the Constitution says primary education should be free. With political will, it is possible.”
Andrew Matjila, veteran educationalist and politician:
“It depends on what we understand by free education. Some interpret it as parents having no absolute responsibility towards their children’s education besides the State. As a third world country, we have not achieved much to guarantee 100 per cent free education. In European countries, they can afford free education because they are well off. With all due respect, Botswana and Zimbabwe (where free education is or was provided) still come short.”
Ellis Tjiueza, conference attendee:
“Yes, I think Namibia should implement the fundamental right to education as promised in our Constitution. In the same vein, with our resources, if we formulate proper sustainable financial policies we will be able to address the issue of affordability. If other countries (with fewer resources) than us have managed, surely and undoubtedly we can as well.”
Donovan Weimers, Director of Institutional Development and Fund-raising at the Polytechnic of Namibia:
“I don’t think education should be free. The system contributes so much and the State is lenient towards those parents that can’t afford to pay school fees. We have the most benevolent system in Namibia, where 22 per cent of the total budget is given to education, about one quarter of the total budget. It is the single largest commitment in Africa. The problem of dropouts is not because of affordability, families take their children out of school to contribute to income at home.”
Otilie Abrahams, veteran politician and educator:
“Principals have asked for the Government to make education free, provided they provide everything we need. If you say education is a right, make it free to level the playing field for all children. We have uranium and now oil. Where is all that money going?”
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