Namibia Reintegrates 425 Vulnerable Children into Schools Through Street Outreach Programs

Namibia Reintegrates 425 Vulnerable Children into Schools Through Street Outreach Programs. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare (MGECW) has announced substantial progress in reintegrating children living and working on the streets into formal education. During the recent Training for Stakeholders on the National Strategy for Children Living and Working on the Streets, held in Windhoek from 12 to 14 August, officials reported that 425 vulnerable children have been successfully enrolled in schools for the 2025 academic year.

The Back-to-School project in Mariental, Hardap region, accounted for 145 children who were reintegrated into nine local schools, while the After School Centre programme in Windhoek facilitated the placement of 280 children into boarding schools outside the capital.

These milestones reflect the collaborative efforts of MGECW and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture. The partnership provides comprehensive support, including psychosocial care, transport, school uniforms, stationery, and toiletries, ensuring that children can remain in school and are shielded from the risks associated with street life.

The workshop also highlighted discussions on a forthcoming research study set for 2025/2026. The study will investigate the root causes that drive children to live and work on the streets across regions including Erongo, Khomas, Kavango East, and Omaheke. Findings from this research are expected to inform and strengthen child protection policies while enhancing intervention programmes nationwide.

Officials emphasized that continuous collaboration between government departments, schools, and community stakeholders is essential to sustaining these reintegration efforts. By addressing both immediate educational needs and underlying social factors, the programmes aim to provide vulnerable children with stability, support, and opportunities to thrive.

This initiative underscores Namibia’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring that no child is left behind in accessing education and essential services.