| Will pouring more money into education solve problems? |
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| Written by Chamwe Kaira | |
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The problems facing the Namibian education system are well documented. They range from lack of qualified teachers, classrooms, and space for Grade One to dilapidated infrastructure, poor results, lack of mathematics and science teachers and poor funding.
It seems that the government is now paying attention to the problems,
at least if this year’s funding to the education sector is anything to
go by.
But will this solve the problems? Only time will tell. This year’s budget saw an allocation of a massive N$4.783 billion to education, N$1 billion more than what was allocated in 2007/8 financial year. Education is set to receive N$14 billion over the coming three years. According to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), although significant increases in funds went to primary, secondary and higher education, it is the allocation to vocational training from N$75 million to N$134 million under Main Division, Vocational Education and Training that is probably the most noteworthy, suggesting that government is finally recognising the importance of practical skills. “There is no sign yet that funding to the Polytechnic will start to match the resources devoted to the University of Namibia, which receives N$260 million compared to the Polytechnic’s N$107 million. A further point worth highlighting is the allocation to scholarships under Main Division 9 Planning Research and Development, which rises from N$56 million to N$214 million,” the IPPR says. According to budget documents, allocations to education will be increased to N$4.8 billion, or 23% of the total budget. “These funds are designed to address the persistent challenges in the sector,” the government says. The money includes an extension of the Student Financial Assistance Fund and provides resources to expand the operations of the country’s higher education institutions. The government has further dedicated resources to give students who failed Grade 10 the opportunity to repeat, thereby reducing youth unemployment and ensuring employability into the labour market. It is also expanding the National Youth Service to provide training to an additional 1000 recruits per year, which is further enhanced by investment schemes on trained youth. Similarly, a provision has been made for a significant expansion of vocational education and training. |
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