Kunene Educators Share Insights on Namibia’s Draft Teaching Profession Bill

Kunene Educators Share Insights on Namibia’s Draft Teaching Profession Bill. The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), in partnership with UNICEF and UNESCO, continued its nationwide consultations on the Draft Teaching Profession Bill and its accompanying Regulations, with the latest session held in Opuwo, Kunene Region.

The consultation brought together a diverse group of education stakeholders — including teachers, administrators, and inspectors — to provide input on the proposed Bill aimed at strengthening and professionalising the teaching sector in Namibia.

Welcoming participants, Mr. Naftali Uusiku, Inspector of Education for the Opuwo Circuit, encouraged educators to reflect on their identity and recognition within the profession. “Are we teachers by profession, and if so, are we legally recognised as professionals?” he asked, setting the tone for the day’s discussions.

Mr. Uusiku explained that the Teaching Profession Bill seeks to provide a legal framework that formally acknowledges teaching as a regulated profession, ensuring that educators are recognised under the law as qualified practitioners. The Bill also aims to define professional standards and promote accountability, integrity, and continuous development within the sector.

He urged attendees to engage actively and constructively in the dialogue, stressing the importance of inclusivity and collaboration. “Our voices must be heard today. Let us pay attention, agree and disagree where necessary, and ensure our contributions are taken into consideration,” he said.

The Opuwo session is part of MEIYSAC’s ongoing nationwide consultations designed to gather feedback, proposals, and recommendations from educators across all regions before finalising the Draft Bill and its Regulations.