Windhoek: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on schools across the country to desist from suspending learners for misbehaviour and to instead adopt corrective measures that focus on rehabilitation and guidance.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the prime minister, during a visit to Hochland High School in Windhoek, expressed concern over the growing need to address mental health challenges among learners. Ngurare, in his statement availed to Nampa by the Office of the Prime Minister, suggested that instead, learners should be helped to rediscover themselves rather than being sent back into the streets.

The statement said the prime minister reflected on an incident at the school in 2010, where, as chairperson of the school board alongside other board members, he intervened to prevent the suspension of five learners who were caught smoking hubbly bubbly. 'Instead of suspending them, the board opted for a rehabilitative approach, requiring the learners to publicly apologise at a fully packed school assembly as a corrective measure aimed at accountability and personal growth,' the statement said.

Ngurare urged learners to speak out and engage their teachers if they face difficulties. He noted that it was normal for young people to experience challenges, as adolescence is a critical period of self-discovery which calls for support and understanding rather than punishment and shame. 'Do not cut your life short because of challenges. Everything has its time and will come to an end. Whenever you are facing problems, look to your left or right and talk to one another,' he said.

He further assured learners that government will continue to improve the education system to ensure that every learner has access to free education. Ngurare has been vocal on mental health issues. Last year, he shared on social media that he struggled with suicidal thoughts between 2015 and 2019 due to financial distress. 'My house and car were on the verge of being repossessed. The thought crossed my mind to commit suicide with the hope that my family could benefit from my life cover to pay off the debt,' he said.

With the support of loved ones, he overcame that period and now uses his platform to urge others to hold on. 'Fight on, the sun will shine again... To be alive is priceless, especially to one's family,' he said.