Kavango west: The Kavango West Region has secured its position as the country's best-performing region in Grade 12 examinations while maintaining second place in Grade 11 results for two consecutive years, Regional Director for Education Pontianus Musore announced on Friday. Speaking at the Teacher Day Symposium 2025 held at Leevi Hakusembe Secondary School in the Kapako Constituency, Musore highlighted the region's educational achievements despite facing significant infrastructure challenges.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Musore emphasized the commitment of teachers in the region as a key factor in their success. "The advantage that we have as a region is the people. We have teachers who are committed, who are ready to carry all the tasks that are assigned to them," Musore said during his address to the teaching fraternity. The region serves over 52,000 learners across its seven circuits, with schools like Leevi Hakusembe demonstrating exceptional performance in both Grade 11 and Grade 12 examinations.
Musore pointed out that despite the infrastructure challenges, schools like Leevi Hakusembe are among the best-performing and deserve recognition. He criticized media coverage that tends to focus on negative aspects rather than celebrating educational successes. However, the regional director acknowledged that infrastructure remains the primary challenge facing the education sector. Many schools operate with dilapidated buildings, classroom shortages, and inadequate ablution facilities.
Musore explained that despite constructing 64 classrooms in the previous financial year, the backlog persists. The ministry has implemented a decongestion plan to address classroom overcrowding, with three schools currently undergoing expansion projects that include science laboratories, computer facilities, and additional classrooms. Construction of five pre-primary schools is also underway, alongside the development of an administration block at Nakazaza CS, Rupara CS, and Sarukwe CS.
Beyond infrastructure, the region continues addressing social challenges affecting education, particularly teenage pregnancy and early marriages that force girls to abandon their studies. Musore emphasized the need for community support to ensure girls can pursue their academic aspirations without interruption. The Teacher Day Symposium celebrated educators' contributions to Namibia's Vision 2030 industrialization goals, recognizing teachers as architects of the nation's future who inspire generations and build foundations for innovation and educational excellence, Musore said.