The Director of ||Kharas Education Directorate, Jesmine Magerman, has urged principals to shift their focus from the poor academic results of the Grade 11 and AS Level classes of 2024 and instead embrace new strategies to ensure better performance this year.

She made this call at the principals' meeting held in Lüderitz.

The gathering primarily focused on reviewing last year's academic performances from Grade 1 to AS Level.

The region slipped from third place to 12th in the Grade 11 national ranking list out of 14 regions.

It also dropped two places in the AS Level ranking, falling from 12th to 14th place.

Additionally, the meeting discussed recruitment processes for vacant teaching positions and examined financial reports from schools.

"We need to reflect on the strategies you have developed, dear principals, in the 2024 meeting to address why we dropped from second to third place. What worked, what didn’t work, and where did we go wrong? We need to examine this critically and implement necessary changes."

However, the regional education director highlighted teacher absenteeism and incomplete syllabus coverage as contributing factors to poor academic performance.

Delivering the keynote address, ǃNamiǂNûs Constituency councillor Suzan Ndjaleka reminded principals that their leadership sets the tone.

"Be visible, listen to your teachers and learners, and lead by example. Continuously advocate for innovation and growth, creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Ask yourself: Am I doing everything I can to make this happen? What more can I do to leave a lasting impact on my school and community?"

Also speaking at the event was the mayor of Lüderitz, Phil Balhao.

"Let us dedicate time to exploring how we can align our educational goals with the needs of these burgeoning industries."