Parents of grade 10 learners schooling at Otjiwarongo Secondary School have blamed the school for their children's poor performance in Grade 10. 

The Otjozondjupa Education Directorate has reassured parents of the safety of learners.

This follows after a teacher at Wilhelm Nortier Primary School in Grootfontein was arrested last year in connection with an alleged sexual assault involving school-going boys.

Parents in Keetmanshoop are worried that their children remain on school waiting lists on the first day of the academic year.

The NBC News team visited several schools and spoke to parents who shared concerns about registration fees and placement delays.

Parents in the Khomas Region flocked to the Teachers’ Resource Centre on the first day of school for 2026, seeking placement for their children.

The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture has warned schools not to force parents to buy items or pay unauthorised fees.
 
The Ministry clarified that public schools are not allowed to force parents to buy stationery or cleaning materials or pay registration fees.

The NBC News team also hit the busy streets of Keetmanshoop to find out how families are handling the expense of school supplies.

It is only a few days before the re-opening of the schools; parents and  guardians are making the last-minute trips to cross things off their back-to-school shopping lists.

A retired principal, Buks Platt, stated that the 2015 National Promotion Policy Guide, which determines whether learners are promoted, transferred, or repeat a grade, is confusing.

Deputy Prime Minister Natangue Ithete has urged parents, teachers, and everyone with a stake in educating children to collectively do their best to contribute to that noble cause. 

There was a celebration of culture, identity and unity at Tsumkwe Primary School last week, with learners and parents commemorating Namibia's Heritage Week under the theme 'Torchbearer of Our Heritage'.

Education, Arts, and Culture Minister Anna Nghipondoka on Tuesday welcomed learners, teachers, parents, and stakeholders to the 2025 academic year, emphasising collaboration and commitment to achieving educational excellence.