In these challenging times, Namibia's commitment to peace must go beyond conventional security measures.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture said this at the commemoration of the International Day of Education. 

The celebration aims to commemorate the essence of education.

Faustina Caley says that education emerges as the cornerstone of this commitment to peace.

She emphasises that education empowers individuals to overcome challenges, equipping them with skills and knowledge to build a better future.

"We must build a foundation grounded in inclusive governance, dialogue, solidarity, mutual understanding, sustainable development, gender equality, and the realisation of human rights. Education emerges as the cornerstone of this commitment to peace. It must be transformative."

Caley calls on both the private and the public to work tirelessly towards closing the gaps and ensuring that no one is left behind.

In addition, she says that marginalised and vulnerable communities must be prioritised in terms of equal opportunities to learn and grow.

She further calls on stakeholders to support the Ministry in the implementation of its programmes and policies to provide equitable and quality education.

Education is described as a beacon of hope that lights the way for individuals and society.

Education Deputy Executive Director Edda Bohn urged educators to continue shaping and educating learners to the best of their ability.

Bohn says that education plays a pivotal role in addressing inequality and poverty.

"Education systems serve as a powerful tool for preventing, building, and sustaining peace, they ensure that learners regardless of their background have access to quality education and that learning continues in times of crisis; moreover,  education plays a pivotal role in addressing inequalities and injustice and should not only distribute opportunities but facilitate post-conflict, justice. By placing education at the centre of our peacebuilding efforts, we empower our learners."

The day was celebrated under the theme "learning for lasting peace."