KHARAS REGION — Jesmine Magerman, the Acting Director of Education, Arts, and Culture in the Kharas Region, underscored hunger, malnutrition, and teenage pregnancy as primary causes for school dropouts during a speech at the Prevention and Reduction of School Dropout Campaign last Friday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Magerman, whose remarks were delivered on her behalf, stressed the challenge students face in focusing on their education when basic needs are unmet. “We must work together to ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals at school, so they can focus on their education and thrive academically,” Magerman stated. She highlighted the need for teachers to be aware of the home environments and socioeconomic challenges that can create significant barriers for vulnerable children.
The campaign also discussed the role of community and faith-based organizations in supporting students. Magerman advocated for the collaboration between local churches, youth organizations, and schools with families to foster support networks that help keep students in school. She suggested that support mechanisms should extend to after-school and weekend programs to counteract parental and societal challenges that can lead to school dropouts.
The urgency of the dropout issue was illustrated with data from the region: approximately six students dropped out last year, while the first half of this year saw 21 dropouts. Rebbeka Enkali-Aupokolo, Principal at Suiderlig Secondary School, appealed to students to prioritize their education, noting the increasing requirements for entry-level positions in traditional roles like the police and military, which now demand higher educational qualifications.
Echoing this sentiment, Amabel Tjivava, a Grade 8 learner at Suiderlig Secondary, shared a personal message with her peers: “Dropping out of school is the easy way out, but it is not the solution. Be your biggest supporter, you are stronger than you think, and do not let setbacks define your future.”