The Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture has called for a demand-driven education system.

Anna Nghipondoka says that it is high time that Namibia moves away from importing a skilled workforce.

Nghipondoka made the remarks at the launch of the IMN Technology Mentorship Institute, which aims to assist the public education sector in preparing and training competent and technologically advanced individuals who are ready to develop a competitive economy for Namibia.

The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture announced the commencement of the Basic Education Act (Act No. 3 of 2020).

The Act has been in operation since October 5 of this year.
         
This legislation replaces the Education Act 2001 (Act No. 16 of 2001) and aligns well with Namibia’s commitment to meeting the educational aspirations of all its citizens.

The Minister of Education, Anna Nghipondoka, says the new Act does not only address basic education but also adult education and lifelong learning, reflecting the diverse needs of society.

Some community members of Ndama East in Kavango East Region held a demonstration on Friday, requesting that the decision to move the school back to Ndama South West be reconsidered.

Earlier on, the community had requested that the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture evaluate and confirm a resolution on the matter.

Yet, with no positive response in sight, the community demands that the government appoint an independent delegate to decide on the school's fate.

A N$40 million budget has been allocated for the procurement of textbooks, and these funds will be transferred to the regions next month.

The Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, acknowledged the challenges associated with textbook development and expressed the ministry's recognition of these difficulties.

Minister Nghipondoka revealed that the procurement process for textbooks has already commenced in the regions and will be expedited with the urgency it deserves.

The Ministry of Basic Education, Arts, and Culture has expressed concern over the lack of career guidance in many secondary schools throughout the country.

This concern was brought to light by Education Minister Anna Nghipondoka during a regional consultation meeting held in Otjiwarongo with school principals from the Otjozondjupa Region.

The meeting was attended by nearly 50 school principals and heads of departments.