Students organisation calls for education levy

President of the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) Dorthea Nangolo on Saturday called for the introduction of an education levy to supplement student funding.

Speaking at the opening of Nanso’s General Student Council, Nangolo stated that many students are left out as the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) cannot cater to all of them.

“One of our most pressing aspirations as a movement is the realisation of an education levy – a funding mechanism that will ensure that no student is financially excluded from accessing education.

“We have witnessed too many students forced out of institutions due to financial hardships, too many learners unable to continue their schooling due to systemic inequalities.

‘‘The time has come for us to demand concrete solutions. We must make it clear: education is not a privilege; it is a right,” she said.

Nangolo emphasised that while it is a privilege to have an institution that provides financial assistance, NSFAF is underfunded by the government and needs a sustainable means of supporting students in need.

That, she said, is the rationale behind Nanso’s demand for an education levy.

The General Student Council session brought together student leaders from higher education institutions in Namibia – including the University of Namibia, the Namibia University of Science and Technology, the International University of Management and Welwitchia University – to deliberate on key educational issues.

Former secretary of the Swapo Party Youth League, Elijah Ngurare, expressed his support for Nanso’s call for an education levy, while urging students to unite beyond politics.

“I am mindful that today, Nanso is apolitical. I respect that freedom.

‘‘However, I encourage you to hold hands as a generation and to define your common denominator.

‘‘You do not need to be apolitical on the demands for quality education,” said Ngurare, who was guest of honour at the event.