Education begins at home We laud the European Union for providing the Namibian education system with N$400 million plus, in the form of a non-refundable grant. This money which comes with strict terms and conditions and performance appraisals, must aid in the transformation of our education sector, as intended by the education ministry. These educational reforms seek to improve outcomes and results, as well as the employability of school graduates and in theory, it should, because of the vocational subjects that are to be included.
However, while we know our schools are falling apart and many have ill-equipped teachers who require training, we do not believe that this money or the intended reforms will make a real and tangible difference to the annual results.
The problem with our annual results, and we are currently waiting for 2016 results, begins with the parents. We understand their challenges. We know that many are unemployed and for those who are working, we know you work long hours, face transport challenges and many other threats to the safety and wellbeing of your children and your property. We know there are shebeens near your homes, and we know there is peer pressure.
What we do not understand, is how, when you face these challenges of poverty, you do not raise your children with a value system that drives them to work, learn, study and achieve – to escape the everlasting cycle of poverty. These values begin at home and therefore, if discipline is required then, exercise discipline. Keep tabs on your children, the calibre of their work and their marks throughout the year and get feedback from their teachers.
We are responsible for raising children who have good work ethics, children who are inspired to create a better future for themselves, a better future than their parents faced. This is generational improvement, which if we do not achieve, one generation at a time, this country is lost.
For those parents who are middle class and higher – you have no excuse if your children do not have a good work ethic.
Stop blaming teachers. Academic success begins at home. Parents raise children, teachers only teach.