The Zambezi education directorate says dozens of pupils from three flood-affected schools have not returned to class since the start of the current term.
The schools are Muzii Combined School, Nankuntwe Combined School, and Mpukano Primary School.
They were among the more than nine schools relocated to higher grounds due to annual floods experienced in the Kabbe South and Kabbe North constituencies in March.
Teaching and learning is ongoing at these relocation sites.
Nankuntwe Combined School school board chairperson Sanzila Shamwazi told The Namibian yesterday that about 40 pupils out of 183 are not in school.
He added that the parents refused to send the pupils back to school because they were allegedly starving at the relocation schools and teachers were not teaching or taking care of the pupils.
“The attendance at the lower grades is very poor, especially in Grade 1 where there are only four pupils in class. We engaged the parents and some pupils came back. However, we do not know what to do with the remaining 40. Parents are adamant about keeping them at home,” he said.
Zambezi regional education director Alex Sikume yesterday confirmed the ongoing absenteeism of pupils at the three schools.
He said he does not know the total number of pupils who are absent, however, they are coming back one by one.
“Pupils are coming back to school gradually. However, teaching and learning have been continuing for those pupils that have been there since the beginning of the term,” he said.
Sikume refuted claims that pupils were starving, saying there was sufficient food provided then, and there is plenty of food for pupils, teachers, and guardians.
He added that as for teachers not teaching, an investigation has been launched.
“We have identified these teachers, and disciplinary action will follow as per the staff rules,” he said.
Sikume added that the relocation schools are still being used for teaching because although the floods have subsided, the previous locations are still inaccessible by cars.
“We are still sorting out our logistics to see when and how we will relocate these pupils and furniture back to their original schools. However, for now they will remain at the relocation schools.
“Parents must kindly be patient with us,” he said.
