Outjo: Teachers in the Kunene Region have completed a training course aimed at strengthening foundational learning for pre-primary and Grade 1 learners. This was done under the School Readiness Initiative facilitated by the Church Alliance for Orphans in partnership with the Roger Federer Foundation.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Deputy Director of Education for the Kunene Region, Petrus Shipalanga, spoke at the graduation ceremony held in Outjo, commending the teachers for their commitment and hard work. He emphasised that their newly acquired skills will play a vital role in improving early childhood education outcomes in the region. 'The foundation you lay in pre-primary and Grade 1 determines the future success of every learner,' Shipalanga said. He encouraged teachers to promote literacy, numeracy, and life skills while fostering confidence and self-worth among their pupils.

The School Readiness Initiative aligns with the Ministry of Education's campaign to eradicate learning poverty, launched in July, and supports the National Curriculum for Basic Education. The programme aims to equip educators with essential teaching strategies to prepare learners for formal education in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Shipalanga further reminded teachers of their professional responsibility, urging them to demonstrate dedication, punctuality, and respect in their work, and to continue improving their teaching competencies. The graduation ceremony celebrated teachers' achievements and reaffirmed the importance of providing quality early learning experiences to ensure that all children in the Kunene Region have a strong educational foundation.