Education now a shared responsibility – parents

The parents of first-time students benefitting from free tertiary studies say education is now the shared responsibility of the government and families.

Phineas Nakaziko, father of a science and geology student at the University of Namibia (Unam) Southern Campus at Keetmanshoop in the ||Kharas region, says for the first time since free education was introduced, parents are not carrying all the expenses alone.

“This is the first year since free education, even at schools, that the government is providing books and stationery for pupils. First it was just dumped on us with the stationery lists that even included toilet paper and pine gel,” Nakaziko says.

He says it is a relief as his son did not receive a bursary when they applied last year.

“I still did not believe it when we brought my son to the university to register. I was panicking that the administration will say I must still pay perhaps 50% of the tuition or something. I was prepared for that, but it would have put me in a lot of debt,” says the father.

Immanuela Simon says the free tertiary education, covering registration and tuition, is a great relief for her as a mother. Simon adds that while the government is covering the education costs, she can focus on her daughter’s well-being.

“My daughter is a nursing student at the Unam Southern Campus. We are from Oshakati. I can concentrate on her accommodation, food, toiletries and transport money,” says Simon.

She says the government has lightened the load for parents.

“Now it is up to the children to work hard, show their appreciation by performing well and passing to become somebody in life. It is a great opportunity.”

Katima Mulilo-based single mother Annety Sibeso says free tertiary education is a huge financial relief for her, as she will not have to run around looking for money for tuition and other expenses.

“I put my two other children through tertiary education out of my pocket, and that was not easy. The government really relieved our financial stress, especially for a single parent like me. I just hope my daughter uses this opportunity and passes all her modules,” she says.

Another parent, James Simwanza, says he is still paying off loans he took for his son’s tuition, so the government making tertiary education free is a huge relief, as he does not have to worry about his daughter’s tuition this year.

“The only expenses that gave me stress was her transportation to Windhoek and immediate necessities. However, that is nothing compared to the huge financial relief it is for her tuition fees, as tertiary education is now free. The government did well in that regard,” he says.

He adds that the government’s main concern should be the high unemployment rate, as his son has finished his degree in education but is still not employed.

“Free tertiary education would really not mean much if the students finish studying and still remain without a job. My son has not been employed since he finished six years ago,” he says.

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