The Deputy Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Faustina Caley, says quality education outcomes are the cornerstone of national development.
Faustina Caley was speaking at the Zambezi Regional Engagement for Academic Improvement for the 2024 National Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) and Namibia Senior Secondary Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) for school managers and regional education management at Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Faustina Caley, stressed that education is not just a service but a promise to every Namibian child, a promise that the country must uphold with dedication and consistency.
She said when excellence is achieved in education, trust and confidence are instilled in the future of the nation.
Caley observed that as the country embarks on the 2025 academic year, it should be done under the theme "Foundation first, excellence always, get it right, the first time around."
"It is a call to action, reminding us that excellence is not accidental, but a product of early investment, diligent effort, and deliberate action. To achieve sustainable development in results, we must ensure that every stage of learning is fortified with quality teaching, robust support, and adequate resources."
She further noted the need to strengthen leadership in schools as an important tool for achieving better educational outcomes.
Caley reminded school managers and their heads of departments of their role, which extends beyond administration, because it is about vision and setting a culture of high expectations.
She added that improving school leadership will foster environments where teachers feel supported and learners are empowered to excel.
"The Ministry is committed to creating continuous professional development opportunities that will keep our educators abreast of modern teaching methodologies, innovative assessment techniques, and subject content knowledge enhancement. A well-trained teacher is an empowered teacher, and an empowered teacher delivers results."
The Education Deputy Minister encouraged education officials to ensure that learners are exposed to digital education from an early age.
Caley called for the maximisation of the limited available resources in schools, while every teacher is encouraged to be a career guidance teacher.