Although Namibia's education system has made great strides in the past 30 years, the sector is still facing challenges.

A lack of basic school infrastructure and crowded classes are some of the bottlenecks compromising education for all and optimum outcomes.

Presenting challenges faced by the Erongo Education Directorate, its director, Ernfriede Stephanus, said the region experienced an increase in learner enrolment from 53,538 in 2023 to 56,313 in 2024.

She said the number of teachers has also increased from 1,996 in 2023 to 2,019 in 2024.

Stephanus noted that there is a need for a proper community learning development centre, as the directorate is currently renting in Karibib. 

Two of the hostels, Haus Romi and Hofmeyer, are currently closed because they are in dilapidated states, and the remaining one, Ernst Rumpf, will be closed soon if not renovated in due course.

She further says that the learners at this hostel are living in deplorable conditions. 

Another challenge highlighted was the shortage of water in rural areas, which led to the closing of schools.

The lack of furniture for learners and teachers in the new and existing schools and outdated and malfunctioning computers in schools and libraries is another thorn in the flesh.

There is also an urgent need for additional ablution facilities at the schools where additional classrooms were built.