The National Association of Parents in Education (NAOPE) has been launched, with the aim to strengthen parental involvement in education and improve collaboration between parents, teachers and the government.
NAOPE is a Namibian advocacy group and non-profit organisation established to give parents and guardians an audible and formal voice in the country's education sector.
The idea of establishing the organisation emerged from the Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO).
Parents from all 14 regions gathered for the launch, where the founding board presented the organisation's vision and introduced its founding members and regional executives.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, Sanet Steenkamp, and the Prime Minister, Elijah Ngurare, Edda Bohn described the launch as a celebration of partnership.
"That is why our parental involvement is not an optional part of education. It is, in fact, one of the most powerful pillars, and it is research-proven that in social settings where parents play an active role in the education of their children, greater successes are achieved. So today, through the establishment of NAOPE, parents have chosen to unite around this common purpose, ensuring that every child receives the support, the opportunities and the quality education that they deserve."
Founding member Sitoka Stefanus Sikoka gave an overview of the organisation, describing education as a three-legged pot supported by learners, parents and teachers.
"I just want to start by saying that you will all agree with me that we all know that education has metamorpholically been referred to as a pot that stands on three legs. And those three legs being the learners, the teachers and the parents. And the birth of NAOPE came actually as a result of the deliberations of learners. We know, all of us know that, naturally, we know that it's a parent that gives birth to a child. But in this case of NAOPE, it is the child that gave birth to the parent."
Willem Gariseb, speaking on behalf of |Khomas Regional Chairperson Stefanus Ndengu, highlighted the importance of parental involvement in children's academic progress.
"It reminds us when the parents, teachers, learners, schools, government, communities and other stakeholders work together, we create stronger opportunities to address challenges facing our children in the education system. To the leadership and founding members of NAOPE, allow me to extend my sincere congratulations on reaching this important milestone."
NAOPE aims to strengthen the role of parents in education and promote cooperation among key stakeholders to improve learning outcomes.