The Students' Union of Namibia has called on the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture to speed up humanitarian efforts for flood-affected learners in the north.

The union says closing schools due to heavy rains will just worsen the already difficult academic situation.

The student movement further wants the government to find a permanent solution to the recurring problem.

The Students Union of Namibia says the ministry should be more proactive, especially when it comes to the floods often experienced in the north.

"This is a perennial predicament, we know when there is a good rain, there is always a flood, so are we saying we can't make a permanent solution? Because of this flood, we might lose the life of a learner very soon, especially those at lower grades."

The leader of the student movement says solutions to the floods in terms of education were shared at the country's last education conference.

"If you look at the policies of Namibian education, we have the best policies, if not in Africa. When you read the policy on free education, the policy on quality education, the problem is implementation when you get into the classroom, when you get into the community."

Kavau believes that temporarily closing schools is not sustainable, as it is impossible to tell how long the floods will last.

He suggests setting up temporary classrooms, even tents.

"We know the repercussions involved when schools are closed. Already in 2019, there was COVID-19, which saw an increase in school pregnancies and GBV abuse. The first priority should be to move the learners to dry land. If possible, we can use town council halls where learners can be taught."