•  December 2000February 2001 Local News Headlines

Monday, February 26, 2001 - Web posted at 6:14:58 AM GMT

Nanso attacks Ministry over lack of planning
CONRAD ANGULA

THE Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) has accused the Ministry of Basic Education of being unable to effectively plan and co-ordinate the school system.

Addressing a press conference at the end of last week, Edson Izaaks of the Nanso executive, said the Ministry needed qualified personnel to help it plan ahead.

Izaaks said it was embarrassing that the Ministry was unable to project ahead and prevent educational crises, such as the one in the North where 14 000 learners have been left without school places.

He also claimed the Ministry's leadership had the wrong priorities."

"It appears that more time is spent on routine administration or visiting schools, performing the same functions as inspectors," he claimed."

"What is needed is that new people with a new kind of thinking should begin to occupy these strategic positions.

This entails mapping out the entire operations of the Ministry and educational development in Namibia."

"It includes determining the size of the school population and working out projections determining the number, type and size of additional schools required and teachers," Izaaks proposed.

The student leader applauded the efforts of President Sam Nujoma to get funding to alleviate the crisis in the four 'O' regions, but said it was shocking that the money had to be drawn from emergency funds."

"All this is lack of planning and is a dangerous precedent."

"The time has come for the Ministry to begin searching for funds for the education sector beyond the scope of what is now available.

It would also mean that a restructuring of the Ministry be sought to make sure that funds are best utilised at the grassroots level," Izaaks stressed.