Education ministry condemns misuse of practical and pre-vocational funds

The Deputy Minister of Education , Arts and Culture Faustina Caley has noted with concern the misuse of the practical and pre - vocational funds by some schools across the country . Caley was speaking at the 2024 Erongo regional engagement with principals , heads of department and other stakeholders at Swakopmund on Monday . The meeting was aimed at addressing issues of importance to the future and improvement of the quality of education in the region . According to Caley , in 2023 , the ministry allocated funds to 352 schools for practical subjects like biology , agricultural science , and chemistry , however , it was noted with concern that some schools had not utilised these funds as intended . ' This practice is highly discouraged . Failure to procure consumables , materials and minor equipment to prepare learners for practical examinations will leave them disadvantaged ,' she expressed . Meanwhile , Caley added that the Universal Education Grant ( UEG ) will be increased in 2024 from N . dollars 200 to N . dollars 300 per learner for pre - primary and primary schools , and from N . dollars 300 to N . dollars 400 per learner for secondary schools . She however cautioned that with the increased funds comes greater responsibility to ensure that financial controls are strengthened . ' We must spend the funds on activities that have the most impact on teaching and learning ,' the minister urged . Caley also expressed concern over the dormant state of Cluster Centres , which should serve as hubs for Continuous Professional Development ( CPD ) and sharing of best practices . She stressed that there is a need to resuscitate the cluster system , for the benefit of the Namibian child , and urged school managers to collaborate to achieve educational transformation . Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope , in a speech delivered on his behalf , highlighted the areas that need improvement in the region ' s education performance , despite schools , teachers , and learners having consistently strived to achieve outstanding r esults . ' The challenges we face are not unique to our region , but are reflective of broader national trends . These include resource constraints , the need for more effective teaching methodologies , and the imperative to support our learners more comprehensively ,' he expressed . Source:The Namibia News Agency