Youth Are Our Future

TO secure a job or venture into business, a skill is needed, and that skill is acquired through education. Granted, progress has been made in Namibia that includes the recognition of early childhood development (ECD) and the expansion of pre-primary schooling.

Although it has steadily evolved since the country attained nationhood just short of three decades ago, Namibia’s dream of equal education for all remains elusive.

In Namibia, education is compulsory and starts at the age of six, with primary schooling spanning seven years from Grade 1 to 7. This is followed by secondary schooling, with some youngsters exiting at Grade 10, but the attainment of Grade 12 is encouraged, as is a continuation of studies at tertiary level.

Although not dissimilar to other countries, the difference in Namibia is that progress is being made on the educational front. School enrolments at primary and secondary levels are up, and there has been significant growth of private tertiary educational institutions to complement public institutions, thereby accommodating an ever-growing demand.

But it is not all good news. The usual scramble for placements at schools continues annually, with parents, and in their absence, grandparents, other extended family or guardians, still queuing for hours to enrol children, especially school beginners.

There will again be media reports over the coming weeks of children in rural areas and in some towns schooling in tents or temporary shelters, overcrowded classes, insufficient teaching resources, textbooks and writing materials, and of other challenges.

Education is the key to success. For an individual, the family, a community, for an entire nation and even for mankind as a whole, it opens doors for people of all and any background. It provides a better quality of life for families, alleviates poverty in a community, positions a nation to accelerate its civil and economic development, and fosters international cooperation.

Through improved education, individuals learn to better interact with one another. This in turn raises civil awareness, and encourages participation in community activities. A solid foundation is thus laid for the development of a democratic society and a stronger economy.

The importance of developing Namibia’s youth as an investment in the nation’s future is widely accepted, but who has the responsibility?

Education is the process of teaching and learning. With widespread buy-in that education indeed holds the key to life’s success, it naturally follows that learning and teaching is a responsibility shared by all.

The first responsibility to educate their children rests with the parents, and encouragingly in Namibia, parents generally take education seriously. It is understandable, as they want to prepare their children for a better life.

Youngsters must be helped to cultivate an appreciation of the importance of learning, and constantly be reminded that there is a time to work and a time to play. They must understand that they must work diligently, and not be afraid to ask, probe and enquire; also to be taught and encouraged that if you don’t understand, ask. That it’s okay to do so as it is all part of that learning process.

Teaching is a profession that comes with great responsibility. Multi-faceted, it facilitates the learning process for pupils to meet curriculum outcomes, develop values, and thereby social relationships. As pupils have differing characters and levels of comprehension, teaching is a challenging profession, and must be appropriately recognised and rewarded.

Rhetorical as it might sound, the youth are our future. How we educate and prepare them today for tomorrow is not a cliché, and must be taken seriously. The statement might be considered overused, but is one that we must continue to apply with commitment, determination and in a sustainable manner.

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