“They tell us education is free, but when you arrive at the school, they ask for contributions. Some of us are unemployed and simply cannot afford these fees.”
By: Annakleta Haikera
Parents in the Kavango East Region are moving from one school to another in search of placement opportunities for their children, particularly for replacement grades, as pressure mounts at the start of the school calendar.
According to information obtained by The Villager, at the same time, some parents whose children have already secured school places are refusing to pay school development fund contributions, arguing that education in Namibia is free.
The situation has placed school administrations under strain, especially in informal settlements where schools are overcrowded, and classroom space remains limited.
Several principals have reported that parents are demanding admission at the last minute, often without prior arrangements, while also declining to contribute towards voluntary school development funds.
Meanwhile, uncertainty lingers for learners from Ndama East School, which made headlines last year. Although the school has now been declared a public institution, it currently lacks basic infrastructure such as toilets and running water.
As a result, some learners are still without placement while awaiting the commencement of construction by the appointed contractor. Some parents expressed frustration over the ongoing uncertainty, saying they have been moving from one school to another in vain.
Elina Kangumbe, a parent from Kehemu, said she has been trying since the beginning of the year to secure a Grade 1 place for her child in a replacement grade, but keeps being notified that schools are full.
“We are just walking around with our children from gate to gate. It is stressful because the year has already started and our children are sitting at home,” she expressed.
Other parents with children already placed in schools say they refuse to pay school development funds because they believe education should be completely free.
Marcelino Kudumo said, “They tell us education is free, but when you arrive at the school, they ask for contributions. Some of us are unemployed and simply cannot afford these fees.”
Parents of learners from Ndama East School also voiced concern about the lack of basic facilities at the newly-declared public school.
One parent, Betty Mungongi, said, “We support the school becoming public, but our children’s safety and health come first. We just want authorities to act fast so our children can learn in a proper environment.”
Kavango East Education Director, Christine Shilima, has urged parents to take responsibility and act proactively by seeking school placements close to their residential areas as early as possible.
She warned against last-minute actions from parents, as this practice contributes to overcrowding and administrative challenges.
“Parents must be reliable and ensure that they look for places near them where their children can be accommodated as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute creates unnecessary pressure on schools,” Shilima said.
She also stressed that no learner should be sent home for failing to pay parents’ voluntary contribution fees, noting that such contributions are not compulsory and should not be used as a barrier to access education.
Addressing the Ndama East matter, Shilima added that a temporary solution is being considered. She said that if parents of learners at Ndama East agree, arrangements will be made for the children to attend classes at Ndama South School until adequate sanitation facilities and a water supply are installed at Ndama East.
The education director also appealed for cooperation between parents, school boards, and education authorities, noting that while the government provides education, community support remains essential to addressing infrastructure shortages in rapidly growing settlements.
Shilima updated that engagement with contractors and other stakeholders is ongoing to ensure that learning disruptions are minimised and that all learners are accommodated in a safe and conducive environment as soon as possible.
