Evaluating the Implementation of Free Secondary Education in Namibia

Abstract: This study adopted a qualitative approach to evaluate the implementation of free secondary education in Oluno Circuit of the Oshana region in Namibia. Namibia implemented different educational reforms following its independence in 1990, to realise the Education for All [EFA] policy. To examine the challenges and opportunities during the implementation of free secondary education, the study used learners, teachers, school boards, and school principals as research participants to study how they evaluated the implementation of free secondary education in Oluno Circuit. The study findings were insufficient and untimely funding, high learners’ enrolment, school dropout, and lack of teaching and learning materials. The study findings conclude that a lack of parental sensitisation, as well as the government's failure to cover all educational expenses, were major challenges. Therefore, the study recommended that the government should employ qualified secondary school teachers to provide quality secondary education, adequate and timely funding to schools, purchase teaching and learning materials, and provide enough infrastructure to accommodate all secondary school learners. Finally, the government should formulate a free secondary education policy framework to guide the schools on how to utilise the funds and should sensitise parents on the importance of free secondary education.