The government has pledged to support teachers, value their knowledge, listen to their voices, and invest in their growth.
 
The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, made the remark during her message on World Teachers Day.
 
 
While providing an overview of the current state of education, Dr Steenkamp acknowledged several systemic issues that affect teachers' morale and educational delivery.
 
This includes lack of specialised teachers in certain subjects, inadequate housing, electricity, and connectivity, workloads and large class sizes.
 
Therefore, she says the Ministry's strategic plan focuses on placing excellence in teaching and learning at the center of its operations.
 
 
“What actions will we take as a ministry? The strategic plan for 2025-2030 places excellence in teaching and learning at the very center of our operations. Through this plan, we are committed to further investment in teacher education and ongoing professional development. We aim to enhance our mentorship and peer-to-peer coaching programmes, ensuring that no teacher has to face their challenges in isolation.”
 
 
The Minister noted that there are currently more than 36,000 teachers, serving over 900,000 learners across 2,081 schools.
 
About 90% of teachers are categorised as qualified.
"Today, more than nine in every ten primary and secondary teachers are qualified to teach. That progress belongs to you, to your studies, your sacrifices and your determination. Our goal for 2030 is clear: we want every learner to be taught by a qualified teacher. We will not reach that goal without you, and we will not be able to achieve it without your contribution. So, your voice, through your schools, your unions and your professional associations, remains essential to the decisions that we make as we work together for the future of every child.”
 
Dr Steenkamp urged parents and communities to respect teachers and work collaboratively for the benefit of the Namibian child.