Windhoek: Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp has called on school principals in the Kunene Region to strengthen leadership and accountability to improve learner performance. Steenkamp made the call during a meeting with principals and regional education management in Outjo, where she emphasised the importance of effective school leadership in improving teaching and learning outcomes.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Steenkamp acknowledged the challenges experienced by schools in the region and commended educators for their continued commitment to keeping schools and hostels operational despite difficult conditions. 'I am aware of the conditions under which you work, and yet you have kept schools open, kept hostels running. On behalf of the ministry, I thank you,' she said.

Steenkamp stated that improved examination results should not only be pursued during examination periods, but built through consistent teaching and learner support throughout the academic year. 'Results are not produced during the examination period, they are produced every day in our classrooms, through quality lesson planning, effective teaching and consistent learner support,' she said.

She urged principals to take ownership of the performance of their schools and ensure that teachers remain focused on delivering quality lessons while learners receive the necessary academic support. The minister also stressed the need for school leaders to uphold integrity, accountability and professionalism in the execution of their responsibilities.

Steenkamp highlighted the importance of collaboration between principals, teachers and regional education management in addressing challenges and improving learner outcomes. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to quality education and encouraged school leaders to work towards creating schools where both teachers and learners can excel. The ministry's commitment should be reflected in the daily operations of schools, with every learner receiving attention, every teacher striving for excellence and every school working towards success.

The meeting served as an opportunity for the minister and education stakeholders in Kunene to engage on leadership and performance-related issues affecting schools in the region.