Erongo needs more schools
SWAKOPMUND – The shortage of classrooms at some schools in the Erongo region is causing a challenge for learners to practice social distancing after schools have resumed.
This has resulted in some of the schools, especially in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, requesting to go back to the grouping system and other teaching modalities that are best suitable to circumstances at these schools to achieve safe and responsible resumption of classes.
This was according to the Erongo education director, Erenfriede Stephanus, during the governor’s bi-weekly Covid-19 update on Tuesday.
“Maintenance and ensuring safety measures due to Covid-19 implications is costly and although all schools have received their education grants, it is not enough as the same funds have to be used for fumigation and disinfecting classrooms as well as making copies of teaching and learning materials,” Stephanus stated.
According to the director, some schools are also faced with an issue of overcrowded classrooms and very small classrooms, which is a health risk to both teachers and learners, while others believe that the rotation of learners from classto-class would also transport the virus between the classes.
Stephanus stated that although a construction of 16 classrooms is currently underway, the region would benefit immensely from additional schools.
With regards to new applications of pre-primary and Grades 1 and 8, 2022 enrolment took place last week and parents were advised to inform the directorate of their children’s application outcomes as soon as they are aware.
This is to enable placement and distribution of learners who have not been accepted at their preferred schools.
“The regional admission committee, in consultation with schools, should then finalise this process by November in order to place learners on the record keeping list,” Stephanus added.
She urged parents to also be willing and open minded about taking their children to other schools and not necessarily those of their choice, so that schools are not overcrowded.
She highlighted Dibasen Junior Secondary School in the Omaruru circuit as one of the schools whose hostel has recently been renovated and is ready for students to move in.