The Deputy Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Faustina Caley, says the Universal Education Grant (UEG) will be increased from N$200 to N$300 per learner for pre-primary and primary schools, and from N$300 to N$400 per learner for secondary schools.
However, Caley says the increase in funds also needs to strengthen schools' financial controls.
Speaking at a regional engagement with principals and heads of departments in Erongo, Caley said the timely provision of correct teaching and learning support materials aids in the attainment of desired teaching and learning results.
It must be noted, she said, that the allocation supplements the universal grant money transfers to schools and should thus be sufficient to cover the basic stationery needs of the learners.
Caley stated that when funds are allocated to regions for this purpose, they are meant to replace old or lost textbooks and add to the existing numbers, not to completely purchase textbooks in a wholesome manner.
These funds are eventually geared to assist the Ministry in gradually attaining the 1:1 learner-to-textbook ratio.
"These funds are for the procurement of consumables, materials, and minor equipment for science subjects with practical components such as biology, agricultural science, physics, and chemistry, as well as pre-vocational subjects. These funds would enable the teachers to conduct practical lessons and thoroughly prepare learners for the NSSCO and NSSCAS final exams. A total of 352 schools have benefitted from these funds."
She encouraged schools to engage parents, community members, and the business community to raise funds to buy more ICT equipment.
This, she said, will assist the ministry in accelerating the provision of ICT in schools.
"The Ministry has commenced with the procurement of various ICT equipment, which includes 41 interactive smart screens, for distribution mainly to the newly added schools offering Advanced Subsidiary Level, while 42 computer laboratories will be equipped with 40 computers, a teacher's laptop, a server, and WiFi at selected three schools per region. The procurement of this equipment is underway, and the delivery is expected to be by the end of August 2024. This exercise will be carried out in each financial year, moving forward, as per our NCE-IP, and keeping in touch with the global digital movement."
Worryingly, she added that the ministry has observed that in 2023, many schools across the country have not utilised these funds for the targeted purpose, which is to buy consumables and submit an accountability report to NIED by September through the Regional Office.