Forty-nine pre-primary teachers in Kunene Region graduated after completing a 10-month training under the School Readiness Initiative project. The ceremony took place in Opuwo.

The initiative is a collaboration between Women’s Action for Development and the Roger Federer Foundation, aimed at strengthening early childhood education in Namibia.

Executive Director Salatiel Shinedima highlighted support provided: “We have distributed 50 tablets and 50 USBs to pre-primary classes, provided 14 solar chargers to facilities without power, distributed learning materials, and trained 65 teachers in digital child assessment tools.”

Kunene Education Director Sophia Ferdrieck underscored the education crisis: “Nine out of ten children in Namibia cannot read simple text with meaning or solve basic arithmetic problems. This ‘learning poverty’ led to the launch of the ‘Ending Learning Poverty Campaign’ in 2024.”

A representative from the Governor’s Office, Naemi Hangula, stressed the need for collective effort: “Development begins with the child. Parents, traditional leaders, government—all must work together to deliver impact.”

Graduate Katjipu Kuejotjipe praised the course for building dedication and excellence among teachers.