School expansion fails to ease overcrowding
The Otjozondjupa Regional Government has invested N$55.8 million in education infrastructure over the past financial year, delivering of new classrooms, laboratories and libraries while creating more than 400 jobs. Otjozondjupa Governor John Julius //Khamuseb have warned that persistent challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, ageing infrastructure and the declining participation of boys in education, threaten to undermine these gains.
During the State of the Region Address(SORA), //Khamuseb said the Directorate of Education remains committed to expanding access to quality education, with 60 322 learners currently enrolled across the region. Of these, 29 605 are boys and 30 717 are girls, supported by a teaching workforce of 2100 educators, including 579 men and 1521 women. While applauding the progress made, //Khamuseb expressed concern over what he described as the declining representation of the boy child and men throughout the education system and across government institutions. "This imbalance requires deliberate attention to ensure inclusivity and equal participation," he said.
During the reporting period, government completed 78 classrooms, eight ablution facilities, six science laboratories, three libraries, three computer laboratories and three administrative blocks across schools in Okahandja, Grootfontein and Otjiwarongo. The infrastructure programme also created 407 employment opportunities. Further investment is on the horizon, with construction of a N$132.7 million hostel at Otjiwanda expected to be completed by March 2028, significantly increasing accommodation capacity for learners.
International partnerships are also strengthening the region's education sector. A German-funded project at Otumborombonga Primary School, together with continued support from the Ju/Hoansi Development Fund and the Sam Nujoma Foundation, has contributed to improving educational facilities and opportunities. The establishment of the Tsumkwe Circuit is also expected to enhance service delivery in remote communities.
Despite these achievements, //Khamuseb acknowledged that the education sector continues to grapple with serious obstacles.
He cited overcrowded classrooms caused by rising learner enrolment, deteriorating infrastructure at older schools and limited parental involvement, which continues to affect learner discipline and academic performance. "Addressing these challenges requires urgency, stronger community involvement and sustained investment to secure a balanced, inclusive and high-quality education system for all," he said.
Beyond formal education, the governor highlighted the growing contribution of the National Youth Service (NYS) in equipping young Namibians with practical skills and employment opportunities. During the 2025/26 financial year, 1030 young people graduated under the sixth intake of the programme, while 584 recruits enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes. The NYS also facilitated 600 employment opportunities within the Namibian Defence Force.
As Otjozondjupa continues investing in classrooms, skills development and youth employment, //Khamuseb stressed that sustained investment, stronger community partnerships and inclusive policies will be essential to preparing the region's young people for the future.
