Opuwo: Kunene Education Director Sophia Ferdrieck has challenged educators to strengthen their commitment to quality teaching and help the region achieve its target of a 60% pass rate. Speaking during the Opuwo Circuit Teachers' Conference and Award Ceremony on Friday, Ferdrieck commended the teachers for their dedication despite the unique challenges experienced in the region, saying their efforts had already resulted in noticeable improvements in learner performance.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Ferdrieck highlighted that the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary Level (NSSCO) pass rate increased from 12.9 to 23%, while schools also recorded improvements in lesson preparation, lesson planning, syllabus coverage, and learner engagement. "You are the builders of Namibia's human capital, the givers of hope where hope seems lost, and the influencers who shape the destiny of our nation. The Kunene Region depends on your passion and professionalism to drive this vision forward," she stated.
Despite the progress, Ferdrieck noted that serious challenges continue to affect education in the Opuwo Circuit. She revealed that 346 learners dropped out of school, and 34 teenage pregnancies were recorded during the 2025 academic year, while Grade 9 results remained a concern, with mathematics at 5.1%, English at 9%, and physical science at 6.9%.
Ferdrieck urged teachers to strengthen foundational learning, provide learners with both academic and emotional support, and improve classroom practices through quality teaching, regular assessment, creative revision strategies, and additional classes, including holiday programmes, to improve learner outcomes.
Moreover, Ferdrieck cautioned educators against unethical practices such as alcohol abuse, financial indiscipline, absenteeism, ghost marks, corporal punishment, teacher-learner relationships, negligence, and abuse of sick leave, emphasizing that such conduct damages the reputation of the teaching profession and compromises learners' futures. She encouraged teachers to uphold professionalism, passion, integrity, self-respect, and self-care, describing these as qualities that distinguish extraordinary educators from ordinary ones.
Finally, Ferdrieck congratulated teachers recognized during the awards ceremony and encouraged all educators to continue inspiring learners, remain committed to excellence, and work together to build a brighter future for children in the Kunene Region.