Niël Terblanché
THE current trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic in Namibia has prompted authorities to extend the current school holidays by more than a week.
In a circular sent out by the Executive Director of Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, learners from Pre-primary to Grade nine will now only return to school on 4 August.
At the same time, teachers were tasked to return to school on 2 August to prepare for the return of learners.
According to the circular, Grade 10, 11, and Advanced Subsidiary learners will not return to face-to-face learning on 19 July as planned, but will instead commence with alternative modes of learning from 19 to 30 July.
“Teachers are requested to make use of all available options including offline and online approaches,” Steenkamp said.
Steenkamp instructed that Private Schools following the Namibian curriculum should also adhere to the changes that were set out in the latest circular.
“We are aware that there are private schools that follow alternative curricula and examination schedules. These schools will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis because it relates to prescheduled assessments and examinations,” she said.
Steenkamp said that the external examinations for Grade 11, 12 (Legacy Curriculum) and Advanced Subsidiary learners will commence on 15 November and will conclude on 17 December.
The only exception will be early question papers and borrowed syllabi, which will commence in October.
According to the Executive Director, schools are directed to strengthen adherence to COVID-19 health protocols.
She said that schools must ensure that social distancing is adhered to, that wearing of masks is strictly enforced, and that provision is made for hand-washing and hand-sanitising facilities.
“School authorities must ensure that both learners and teachers make regular use of hand sanitising facilities,” she said.
Steenkamp added that hostel management must ensure that an appropriate staff compliment is available to receive learners when schools re-open in August.
As to psychological support, Steenkamp implored the school community to continue all support for learners because of the serious mental health implications experienced by all during the devastating third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We also encourage teachers to reach out for counselling therapy and assistance where needed and to practice self-care where possible,” she said.
Steenkamp urged the Regional Directorates of Education to mobilise all school and administrative staff to get vaccinated.
The Executive Director indicated that in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, mobile vaccination units will be organised at a circuit level to ensure that as many teachers and staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent unnecessary illness, hospitalisation, and death.
