The Junior National Council MPs have recommended that schools establish early warning and intervention systems to identify learners at risk of dropping out and provide appropriate academic and psychosocial support.

“We recommend that the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Child Affairs, and Social Protection, strengthen gender-responsive retention programmes that address the specific barriers affecting both boys and girls,” said Kemone Puturi from the Hardap Region.

We recommend that the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Child Affairs, and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Health and Social Services, strengthen learner protection mechanisms and ensure that the schools have effective systems for preventing, reporting, and responding to bullying, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and discrimination,” noted Diabanza David from Oshikoto.

MPs also tabled the recommendations on the motion aimed at strengthening mental health and psychosocial support services for children and adolescents to promote well-being, learning outcomes, and resilience in Namibia.

“We recommend that the Ministry of Health and Social Services increase investment in mental health services, including the training and specialisation of psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and counsellors. The Ministry should also work with relevant authorities to create additional approved positions and ensure that qualified professionals are equitably deployed, particularly to rural and underserved communities," explained Princes #Nauses from Erongo.

“We recommend that the Ministry of Health and Social Services, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture, strengthen nationwide mental health awareness and anti-stigma programmes. These programmes should target learners, parents, teachers, community leaders, and the wider public and should promote early health seeking and acceptance of mental health services,” added Innocentia Shaudere from Oshana.

The recommendation has been adopted and submitted to the National Council.