Ballotti vows to make unannounced visits to schools countrywide

Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti has pledged to personally visit schools across the country to ensure and strengthen accountability and meaningful support for teachers.

Speaking at the teachers’ award ceremony in Windhoek on Thursday, Ballotti said his visits will be unannounced and would not be ceremonial, but aimed at adding value within schools and among teachers.

“I will visit all schools and my visit will be unannounced. You will just see me at 06h50,” he said.

The goal, he said, is to engage directly with teachers and pupils to understand challenges on the ground.

“I think there are resources in the Khomas region compared to other regions,” he said, adding that the region has its own dynamics.

The deputy minister urged teachers to remain motivated, even when some colleagues are underperforming.

“Do not be discouraged if your neighbour is not putting in the same efforts. I don’t want that to demoralise you,” Ballotti said.

He added that symbols do not define one’s identity.

Khomas education director Paulus Nghikembua says the same, noting that the directorate will begin visiting selected schools to strengthen accountability.

Selected schools will be required to account for their performance, while also receiving structured support to improve where necessary.

Nghikembua says the award ceremony is a symbolic occasion.

“This is a fundamental recognition of the dedication, resilience and commitment demonstrated by schools, teachers and pupils,” Nghikembua says.

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