Stop policing learners’ hair - Nanso
The Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) says it has engaged the ministry of education and the attorney general in seeking clarity on the issue of schools sending learners home over supposedly inappropriate hairstyles.
The Nanso national executive committee announced this on Sunday, while calling on education authorities to end the arbitrarily banishing of learners from schools as a result of their hair.
“The ministry of education has written to the attorney general’s office requesting for guidance on the way forward and as we wait for a response, Nanso will not tolerate any learner being sent home as a result of hair,” said Nanso president Simon Taapopi.
Taapopi further called on learners to make the process easier by keeping their hair neat and well maintained up until more clarity is provided.
“Seeing the pivotal time that was already lost during the pandemic, it is essential that as much time is spent productively on learning,” he added.
Earlier this year, a group of learners at the Caprivi Senior Secondary School in the Zambezi region had a rude awakening, when they were sent home because of “inappropriate” hairstyles.
Nanso says the banishing of these learners was disruptive and unlawful which prompted the organisation to write a demand letter to the ministry of education, citing the provision of the constitution, especially the right to education and the right to the integrity of persons.
“The ministry responded positively that the schools will no longer dismiss learners over hairstyles, however, they are still waiting for the legal advice from the attorney general on the way forward,” Taapopi told New Era.
Education executive director Sanet Steenkamp could not be reached for comment.