Otjiwarongo: More than 150 school principals, teachers, and learners from across the Otjozondjupa Region gathered at Otjiwarongo to launch their 2026 education academic year.

According to Namibia Press Agency, during the regional conference, Otjozondjupa Region Education Director, Gerhard Ndafenongo, presented the 2025 academic school results along with an analysis of the Grade 11 and Grade 12 results. The Otjozondjupa education directorate was ranked 10th in the Grade 11 results nationally in 2024 but slipped to 11th place in 2025, as stated by Ndafenongo. Despite the decline, Ndafenongo emphasized the need for strong practices, including increasing teacher presence, involving parents, and ensuring principals listen to community needs.

Though the 2025 Grade 11 performance saw a decline, Ndafenongo highlighted a regional improvement, with 15 out of 25 schools showing better performance. He acknowledged the competitive environment with other regions working hard, urging Otjozondjupa stakeholders to 'work extra hard' to regain their standing.

The conference saw the participation of several key stakeholders, including regional and local authority councillors, school board members, parents, and Minister of Education Sanet Steenkamp. They engaged in panel discussions where suggestions for improved regional performance were shared.

Otjozondjupa Deputy Education Director, Chris Tjivikua, expressed optimism about the region's potential. In an interview with Nampa, Tjivikua pointed out the vastness of the region and the need for critical attention. In 2025, Otjozondjupa had 58,851 learners and 1,947 teachers across 71 public schools and 20 private schools.