- Housing and transport among measures planned to attract teachers to scarce subjects and rural areas
STAFF WRITER
The government plans to use better incentives to attract teachers to scarce subjects and rural areas, as Namibia’s teaching workforce continues to grow.
Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp said this in her World Teachers’ Day message on Monday, 5 October 2026, as she outlined the government’s plans to strengthen the teaching profession.
There are currently 36,336 teachers teaching more than 913,000 learners across 2,081 schools, while the teaching workforce has grown by more than 5,000 since 2019.
Steenkamp said the government would invest further in teacher education and continuous professional development, while improving incentives such as housing and transport for teachers in scarce subjects and rural postings.
“Some subjects still lack enough specialised teachers. Some schools are far from towns, without adequate housing, electricity or connectivity. Large classes, heavy workloads and the pressures of our time weigh on morale,” she said.
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture also plans to strengthen mentorship and peer-to-peer coaching so that teachers receive more support.
The plans form part of the ministry’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which places Excellence in Teaching and Learning at its centre.
Steenkamp said the government’s goal by 2030 is for every learner to be taught by a qualified teacher.
Currently, more than nine in every 10 primary and secondary teachers are qualified to teach, she said.
Since 2019, the teaching workforce has grown by more than 5,000 teachers.
DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
Steenkamp acknowledged that teachers continue to face challenges, including large classes, heavy workloads and difficult working conditions in some areas.
She said teachers work in city classrooms and remote rural schools, including makeshift classrooms, afternoon classes and multi-grade rooms.
“Many of you give far more than any job description asks,” she said.
Steenkamp said teachers are also counsellors, mentors, coaches and, often, a second parent to learners.
60 YEARS OF PROTECTING TEACHERS
This year’s World Teachers’ Day marks 60 years since the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the status of teachers.
The 2026 theme is “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping Our Futures.”
Steenkamp said the government stands with teachers and wants to value their knowledge, listen to their voices, invest in their growth and safeguard their dignity.
“Our goal by 2030 is clear: every learner taught by a qualified teacher. We will not reach it without you, and we will not walk it without you,” she said.
She also called on parents, communities and education partners to respect, support and work with teachers.
“To every teacher out there: please do not underestimate the power you hold,” Steenkamp said.
She urged teachers to take care of their wellbeing, support one another and continue learning.
“Dear teachers, the nation sees you, the nation values you, and the nation thanks you,” she said.
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