Windhoek: The National Organisation of Parents in Education (NAOPE) has called on parents, education stakeholders, and community leaders to work together to safeguard the welfare and educational continuity of learners as the 2026 academic year approaches.

According to Namibia Press Agency, NAOPE Acting National Spokesperson, Salome Kambala, emphasized that education remains both a constitutional right and a vital protective tool for children. "Education is a fundamental right and a critical protective factor for every child, and it must be protected at all costs," Kambala stated.

She urged parents and guardians to take full responsibility for preparing children for their return to school, including ensuring their physical readiness, emotional well-being, safety, and access to learning materials. "No child of school-going age should remain at home, as this is a serious violation of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia," she added.

NAOPE also raised concern about learners who may not have achieved their desired academic results, warning against stigmatisation. "Learners who did not obtain the results they hoped for must not be ridiculed or discouraged. They need guidance, encouragement, and dignity to pursue alternative pathways toward success," Kambala said.

The organisation further emphasised the importance of cooperation among parents, teachers, learners, and school boards. "Effective education delivery and child protection depend on strong, respectful partnerships within school communities," she noted, urging schools to adopt child-sensitive approaches that prioritise the best interests of the child.

NAOPE appealed to individuals, institutions, and businesses to support vulnerable families at the start of the academic year. "Assisting with basic educational needs is both a moral responsibility and a practical way of complementing government efforts," Kambala said.

NAOPE also praised the government for making education more accessible and affordable. "These efforts have transformed what was once a dream for many learners into an achievable reality," Kambala said.