Teaching Profession Bill: Putting Learners First

(By: Sylvia Hashondali)

The Teaching Profession Bill, currently under nationwide consultation, promises to be a transformative step for Namibia’s education system. However, much of the focus has been on teachers and training institutions. The ultimate beneficiaries of this reform will be students across Namibia.

The bill seeks to elevate teaching into a respected and accountable profession. Once enacted, it will establish the Teaching Profession Council of Namibia, an independent body tasked with overseeing teacher registration and licensing, continuous professional development, and teacher training institutions.

In a recent interview with Campus Connect Magazine, Ayesha Wentworth, Director for Programs Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Education Innovation Youth Sport Arts and Culture(MEIYSAC), shared, “the bill will call for the establishment of a regulatory authority, which will be an independent body from the MEIYSAC, so that the authority will ensure the implementation of the act and its regulations,’ adding, “we are presenting options of what this regulatory body would like the nation and then their inputs will determine the final product.”

For learners, this reform means greater assurance that the individuals guiding their education are not only qualified but are also held accountable through clear professional standards. It signals an era where every child can expect consistency in teaching quality, regardless of where they attend school. The bill addresses unequal learning outcomes, which are a major issue in Namibia’s education system. Students who have well-supported teachers are more likely to succeed in their academics, develop key skills, and make a smooth transition to higher education.

 This initiative is not just about raising the status of teachers; it is an investment in Namibia’s future generations. The consultations, which started on 15 September in the Khomas Region, are expected to be concluded on 17 October.