It’s Better to Have a School Uniform Than Not to Have One

An SMS on school uniforms, which appeared in The Namibian on Friday, 18 March 2022, says: “Dear teachers, remember not every parent can afford a full uniform, and you are trying to make it a rule. What if there's a rule saying all teachers must have VW Amaroks, would you be able to afford it?” Although it is not clear what constitutes a full school uniform in the context of this SMS, and while the author did not elucidate on what pupils should wear in the absence of a uniform, it is worth contributing to the debate for educational purposes.The Education Act (Act 16 of 2001) is specifically silent on the issue of school uniforms. It is nonetheless very clear on issues related to pupils' hygiene, cleanliness, decency and appearance. The act mandates schoolboards of state schools, after consultation with parents, pupils and teachers, to draft and adopt a pupils' code of conduct, which usually includes the school uniform. It is therefore significant to mention that parents' voices and contributions in the affairs of their children's education, particularly school rules, are recognised. It is not the sole domain of teachers to draft and adopt school rules as such.School uniforms are common in almost every school in Namibia, both private and state, for a number of reasons and hold benefits for both schools as organisations and for parents and pupils as individuals. SOCIAL LEVELLERSchool uniforms serve as a social leveller by removing issues related to social status. Parents do not have to worry about buying designer clothes for their children to wear to school. Keeping pace with the latest fashions and trends can be expensive, and exacerbate a sense of inequality.Wearing a school uniform helps remove the type of peer pressure among pupils associated with not being able to keep up with their friends. This type of pressure can lead to depression and/or low self-esteem. School uniforms also help instil discipline among pupils, especially when travelling between their homes and school. It has been observed that children tend to behave more courteously when wearing a school uniform as opposed to when wearing differently. Overall, school uniforms help to achieve homogeneity and promote a sense of belonging. People generally want to feel part and parcel of the group as opposed to being othered, and feeling left out.While it's important to take part in discussions pertaining to education, such as school uniforms, it is equally important to know the reason for and the importance of such rules and provide our support, as parents. School rules and guidelines are meant to help shape children and protect them against undesirable behaviour and unnecessary pressures. Good behaviour undoubtedly helps shape the character of pupils, and eventually informs the type of contribution they make to society.It is well known that society is characterised by serious inequalities, and it is also true that some parents will struggle to afford a school uniform for their child or children. Nonetheless, it also appears to be true that it is better to struggle to afford a school uniform than not to.* Immanuel Aron is a principal at a school in the Oshana region. The views expressed in this article are entirely in his personal capacity. He can be reached at aron.immanuel@gmail.com