30 October 2009
Windhoek — The Ministry of Education is expected to start implementing a policy aimed at reducing the number of learners who leave school because of pregnancies after it was approved by Cabinet this week.
In 2007 alone, 1465 learners left school because of pregnancy, 96% of which were girls.
The Education Sector Policy for the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy's ultimate aim is to decrease the number of learner pregnancies and to increase the number of learner-parents who complete their education.
"Education is both a human right in itself and an indispensable means of realising other human rights. To meet Vision 2030, Namibia needs a new policy on learner pregnancy that will make a real and sustainable difference in the lives of children and their children. The policy does not substitute its judgement for that of the family. Family and cultural values are a core component of the guiding principles set out within this policy," a statement by Cabinet reads.
Prevention is the core message of the policy. It encourages abstinence and the communication of values such as gender equity and respect for individual autonomy.
The policy also makes provision for learners to complete their education.
According to the statement, it is generally accepted that the infant will have a far better chance in life if both parents are able to complete their secondary education.
Statistics further show that learners who continue their education are more likely to delay further pregnancies, supporting the need to return a learner-mother to the education system.
All government and government subsidised primary and secondary schools are expected to adhere to the policy.
"The need to ensure that girl-learners are able to continue their education after pregnancy is critical if Namibia's long term goals concerning gender equality in education and development are to be achieved," the statement says.
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