The Efficiency and Effectiveness of Secondary Schools in Namibia

Abstract

This study analysed the operations of secondary schools in Namibia, with a specific focus on the challenges affecting the quality of teaching, learning, and overall learner performance in Namibian secondary schools. Despite the Namibian government’s significant investment in the education sector, the secondary education system continues to struggle with inefficiencies that hinder its effectiveness. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology to gain an in-depth understanding from key stakeholders in the education system. The population comprised school principals, teachers and learners from selected secondary schools. The sample was selected purposively and included participants with direct experience of school operations and learner performance records. Data were collected using interviews and focus group discussions, providing rich and diverse insights in understanding the subject. The data were analysed using thematic analysis and revealed that the Namibian secondary education system was confronted with numerous challenges, including high staff turnover, impact of postgraduate diploma graduates and the normalcy of limited parental involvement. These challenges have negatively affected secondary schools’ operations, resulting in reduced secondary schools’ throughput. These themes provide a comprehensive understanding of the systemic and institutional barriers limiting educational quality and learner success in Namibian secondary schools. The systemic issues have implication to both educational policy and practice, necessitating the need for various reforms within Namibia’s education system to prioritise effective teaching and learning in Namibian secondary schools.