The United Nations' Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo has commended Namibia for integrating early childhood development, foundational learning, and teacher training into its structures in an effort to achieve quality education for all.

Phororo addressed the launch of the 'End Learning Poverty for All in Africa' Campaign at Outjo.

Phororo says such inclusions reflect a clear and sustained commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

"These efforts are directly aligned with Namibia's Cooperation Framework with the United Nations, which places human capital development, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth at its centre. They also resonate with the broader aspirations of the Pact for the Future, a pact that calls on us all to invest in people, especially children and young people, as the architects of a just, peaceful future."

Phororo reaffirmed the UN's commitment to provide government and communities with evidence, innovation, advocacy, and technical expertise.

"We also recognise the importance of preparing learners for the future world of work. In partnership with the National Institute for Educational Development, the UN is supporting the integration of digital skills-like coding, media literacy, and artificial intelligence-into the basic education curriculum."

The African Union's Head of Education, Sophia Ashipala, applauded the government for its focus on foundational learning agendas.

"It sends a message that education reform must be participatory, data-driven, and homegrown. As the African Union Commission, we are proud to support Member States in this transformative journey. Our mandate is to serve you, to walk alongside all African countries in designing and delivering reforms that are ambitious, inclusive, and sustainable."

She, however, expressed concern over the low learning rate in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 90 percent of 10-year-olds are considered educationally challenged.