THE Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture is consulting on whether to continue with the current semester-based school calendar system into 2025 or to revert the old trimester-based one.
This was confirmed by education executive director Sanet Steenkamp.
The consultations are being done via a comprehensive survey currently floating online.
“We are hoping that the ongoing consultations will be concluded soon. We will implement the recommendations at the end of the period and decide on the best way forward,” Steenkamp told Desert Radio on Thursday.
The ministry changed from the trimester calendar system to a semester-based one during the Covid-19 era for learners to have holidays in June and July to mitigate the risk of infections.
Since then, the ministry said notable concerns have been raised by many parents, teachers and members of the public concerning the “length of the semesters, fatigue among learners, difficulty in curriculum planning, etc”.
“In light of the concerns raised by stakeholders and in recognition of the importance of ensuring an optimal learning environment for learners, the ministry has resolved that comprehensive consultations be conducted with the public and all stakeholders in order to gather feedback and insights regarding the best calendar option for 2025 and going forward,” the ministry says.
“The ministry urges the public to participate in this survey by voting for the calendar system they feel is favourable to the education system and in the best interest of the Namibian child,” the ministry says on its survey.
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