61 learners with special educational needs graduated from the National Institute of Educational Development (NIED) with basic vocational skills such as fashion and design.

NIED was established in 2012, and this is its first graduation ceremony for basic pre-vocational skills.

Learners are from special schools across the country, including Eros Girls School and Eluwa Special School, and are trained in fashion and design, tailoring, and hospitality.

Members of Parliament in the National Council have commended the government for investing in the education sector.

They were commended as they welcomed the budget allocation of over N$18 billion to the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture.

MPs expressed confidence in the ministry's ability to effectively execute the budget and sustain efforts towards infrastructural development.

At least 30 schools in Windhoek celebrated World Earth Day with a call to action to protect the environment and the world.

The celebration of Earth Day holds significance as Namibia is known for its unique ecosystems.

This year, the day was celebrated under the theme Planet vs. Plastics.

Enviromentalist Fransina Kalumbu pointed out the importance of acknowledging environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.

The European Union (EU) in Namibia has injected more than N$300 million into early childhood development (ECD) centres around the country. 

EU Ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins made the announcement during the launch of the programme at Mix Settlement, on the outskirts of Windhoek. 

N$262 million will go to the Treasury, and N$60 million will go towards technical assistance, including support actions implemented by Unicef and the World Food Programme. 

One of the oldest historic buildings in Windhoek, the Alte Feste in the city centre, will be renovated and turned into an art, craft, and heritage centre.

The initiative by the Namibia Craft Centre and the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture aims to revitalise the historic building.

It will have a craft market, an art gallery, a training workshop, art studios, a restaurant, and a courtyard, and it will retain the museum functions.

The renovation and repurposing project is estimated to cost N$30 million and will be done in phases.

The Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, has implored education staff to efficiently utilise funds for quality education.

Nghipondoka was speaking at the finalisation and validation of annual work plans for the financial year 2024–25.

Reflecting on the previous year, Nghipondoka highlighted the importance of efficiency in implementing programmes despite an 85% performance improvement.

The minister says that when schools are allocated funds for UPEs, stationaries, and the execution of duties, they should be used efficiently. 

A contractor has blocked a sewerage pond at Max Makushe Secondary School in the Kavango East Region due to what they regard as outstanding payments by the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture.

The school has since suspended classes due to sewerage overflow.

The school has been struggling to get a permanent solution for the sewerage for almost five years.

The contractor, Empire Sense Investment, carried out what is referred to as emergency work for N$2 million.

The tender was awarded in November 2021.

Staff members of the Elambo Combined School in the Oshikoto Region petitioned the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture to address inconsistencies in the bush allowances.

Demonstrators claim that staff members at some schools get a bush allowance of N$1,750 per month, but at Elambo Combined School, they get N$1,150 per month.

Teachers said they have been knocking at the ministry's door over the matter since 2012 but with no answers.

The government will construct four classrooms at Elias Amxab Combined School in Sesfontein.

Situated in one of the deepest parts of the Kunene Region, Sesfontein, Elias Amxab Combined School has 815 learners.

The school looked much better compared to our last visit.

Education, Arts, and Culture Minister Anna Nghipondoka encouraged teachers and learners to continue with teaching and learning despite the circumstances.

For the six groups of classes that are currently being taught outside, the government will construct four classrooms.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Faustina Caley, has appealed to learners in the Hardap Region to consistently pursue academic excellence. 

She made the call at the Hardap Regional Academic Awards held at Gibeon. 

The regional academic awards ceremony recognised learners and teachers in academics and sports. 

Awards were given in categories such as best junior primary school, best junior primary teacher, best senior primary school, NSSCO and NSSCAS top national subject performers, and overall best-performing school for the 2023 academic year.