Kavango west: The Directorate of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture in Kavango West has registered 54,127 learners for the 2026 academic year, marking an increase of 2,123 compared to the 52,004 recorded in 2025, Regional Education Director, Pontianus Musore, has revealed. According to Namibia Press Agency, Musore noted in a statement that the growth in enrolment is most pronounced at the secondary school level. "The biggest increase is at secondary level, which increased by 960 to 13,325 compared to 12,365 in 2025," Musore said. While the figures indicate sustained demand for public schooling in the region, Musore cautioned that infrastructure constraints remain a pressing concern, particularly at schools accommodating learners from remote villages. Musore highlighted that the most significant challenge is infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the lack of hostels and classrooms. This shortage affects learners who travel long distances to attend school and places additional strain on institutions already operating at or near capacity. He stated that the directorate is engaging relevant authorities regarding the need for additional classrooms and hostel facilities. Despite these challenges, Musore confirmed that all learners who applied through the regional placement system have been accommodated for the 2026 academic year. He added that the placement process was finalized in mid-February 2026 following the processing of applications and allocation of available spaces. The directorate will continue to monitor enrolment trends and pressure points throughout the year, especially at secondary schools where the largest increase was recorded. Musore emphasized that expanding infrastructure remains critical to stabilizing class sizes and ensuring safe accommodation for learners who require hostel facilities. Kavango West has experienced rising demand for school placements in recent years as more learners progress through the system and communities expand, placing additional pressure on exis ting facilities.