Parent, teacher and learner relationship in academics

The Namibian Education Act was promulgated to ensure, among other things, democracy in education through the active involvement of all stakeholders in the decision-making processes in schools.

Hoster Simasiku, principal of Oshikunde Combined School in Ohangwena Region, said the relationship between parents, teachers and learners is important as it fosters improvement within the education fraternity.

“Parents will know how their children are doing in school, and teachers will know their learners better through engaging with their parents,” he said.

Simasiku added that the relationship also assists teachers in knowing whether learners are studying at home.

“Parents are our eyes and ears when the learners are at home,” he said.

He added that the relationship helps parents hold teachers accountable if their children are not performing academically.

Namibia’s education system is based on partnership, and the Education Act stipulates that parents should constitute the majority of members on a school board.

Through this relationship, the ministry of education, arts and culture can intervene with better practices in schools and within the community, Simasiku said.



Learner focus

According to Hendrick Kandyendye, an English teacher at Oshakati Secondary School, learning requires learners to focus in the classroom.

“Learners should have a positive home environment to enable them to learn,” he said.

Kandyendye - who has been part of the education sector for 11 years - added that if there is no relationship between the learner and their parents, it may affect the learners’ academics.

He further noted that this relationship is essential for effectiveness and productivity within all three parties as they all benefit in the end.

“Every learner has individual challenges which are dealt with by the teacher uniquely, and this can only be done when there is an established relationship between the learner and teacher.”