Some parents in Windhoek were in tears yesterday as they left principal offices with news that schools are full to capacity and cannot accommodate new learners.

Public schools officially commenced yesterday for the academic year 2023 and many parents were left stranded as they searched for placements especially in pre-primary, Grade 1 and Grade 8.

Speaking to Nampa, Cecilia Victor, a parent in search of Grade 8 placement for her son at Centaurus High School said she had been unsuccessful at multiple schools and pleaded with the government to create more schools.

In the same vein, Windhoek High School (WHS)’s principal (acting), Dinette de Beer told Nampa they had over 2 000 applicants for the academic year 2023 in Grade 8 but could only accommodate 340 pupils, leaving the rest to find placement in other schools.

“We’re nearly 1 350 pupils at WHS and have no placement from Grade 8 to 11. There is still an option for Grade 12 Advanced Subsidiary learners, we are waiting for them to register,” De Beer said.

Principal of Suiderhof Primary School, Alna Similo said they received over 500 online applications in 2022 for Grade 1 and approximately 300 for Grade 0 but only accommodated 116 for that grade and 60 for Grade 1 to accommodate transferred pre-primary learners.

(NAMPA)

Source: The Namibian Press Agency