WINDHOEK — The Khomas Region is facing an urgent need for educational infrastructure to keep pace with its growing student population, requiring three new schools annually to accommodate the increase, Governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua announced during her State of the Region Address.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the region currently has 141 schools serving a total of 106,350 learners, with an annual increase of 2,665 students. This growth demands the construction of 72 additional classrooms or the equivalent of three fully-fledged schools each year. The student population in Khomas has risen by 18 percent over the last six years, escalating from 93,600 in 2019 to 106,350 in 2024.

The Governor also highlighted improvements in educational outcomes, noting that the number of students qualifying for higher secondary levels increased significantly. In 2023, 1,610 students qualified to advance to the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Advanced Subsidiary Level, up from 1,290 in the previous year—an increase of 7.9 percent. This achievement placed Khomas at the top of the national rankings for the Namibia Senior Secondary Ordinary Level, although it has experienced a slight decline in the rankings for the Advanced Subsidiary Level, dropping from seventh to tenth place.

Additionally, McLeod-Katjirua mentioned the regional council’s commitment to supporting students financially, with an annual allocation of N.dollars 500,000 for school uniforms and bags distributed across all constituencies. This initiative benefited 411 learners from 30 schools. The council also provided financial aid to 103 Namibia College of Open Learning students for upgrading their grades, and 69 students received assistance with registration fees at accredited higher learning institutions, totaling N.dollars 220,000 in 2024.

The increasing demand for educational facilities in Khomas underscores the challenges faced by the region in accommodating rapid population growth and improving educational standards.