Vice Chairperson of the Junior National Council (JNC) Loini Nangolo has called on the government to invest and upgrade water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure at schools and provide adequate funding for maintenance.
The Junior National Council MPs are calling on the government to build stronger referral and follow-up systems for when a child reaches out for help to ensure that learners receive continuous care.
To mark the Lifelong Learning Month – September, the Oshana Education Directorate launched the Adult Learners' Week, Heritage Week, Readathon Week, and an Inter-Regional Arts and Craft Competition.
Delivering a motivational address at the Junior National Council, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Phillipus Katamelo, said that the motion on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is not merely a service delivery issue but is fundamental to children's rights, education, health, and equality.
MPs from the Junior National Council (JNC) have attributed school dropouts to teenage pregnancies, substance abuse, cultural norms, and economic household challenges.
A Senior Researcher and Gender Specialist at the University of Namibia, Immaculate Mogotsi said pre-independence education statistics are not always reliable or comprehensive, making it difficult to determine exactly when and how the current gender disparities emerged.
Universal access does not mean that every school must receive exactly the same infrastructure but that every child should receive an equivalent standard of safe, reliable and dignified service.
Junior National Council MPs called on the government to implement sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure that will cater to learners across the country and improve access for those with disabilities.
The 4th Junior National Council opened debates with the motion urging the government to invest in child-responsive, climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in schools and communities across the country.
The Zambezi Education Directorate has officially launched September as Lifelong Learning Month as part of its efforts to promote lifelong learning and raise public awareness on the importance of community participation in learning opportunities.
