Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697812421409.pdf (Namibia)
REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA BUDGET MOTIVATION SPEECH FOR THE 2012/2013 FINANCIAL YEAR BY".." HON DR. DAVIO:NAMW;NDI'" 7 MINISTER OF EDUCATION VOTE 10 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION '~, 10 APRIL 2013 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WINDHOEK NAMIBIA Page 1 of 19 SECTION 1: Introduction 1.

Firstof all, I would like to thank Hon.

Minister of Finance for the allocation of N$10.7 billion to the Ministry of Education.

This represents of 23.7 per cent of the total national budget of 2013-2014.
It is my believe that this budget is people-cantered and development oriented.

2.

Since 2010, my late Minister and I assured this August house that we are determined to build on solid foundation as laid by our able predecessors.

the Team Education's determination continue courage under and guidance of David and Silvia.

3.

We are ready than ever before to develop quality labour force, able to accelerate nation.

future economic growth and create -weolth and work for the ,.

4.
4.

However, we are aware that this is definitely a tall order which requires all round support and we have no doubt from the entire nation especially from members of this house that we shall continue to enjoy this support.

\"'.

:;" \'" -v \.

5.

Since our appointment on 21s1 February 2013, we are on a mission of keeping our ears on the ground.
As in the past our profound gratitude goes to the entire nation for embracing our clarion call of considering education the unwavering support of His Excellency as a shared sacred responsibility, our President inspires us and shall no doubt continue to motivate us to go , ?

:-, an extra mile in the process of executing our mammoth task.

Honourable Deputy Chairperson of the whole house committee, 6.
Recently I was quoted as saying billions of dollars have been invested in education, but the passing rate since time immemorial has been a disappointment.

around for a better This trend calls for a concerted to turn the situation tomorrow.

Silvio and I and the entire Team Education effort shall not disengage until this situation is perfected and the entire nation shall begin to see the value of the investment we make.

Page 2 of 19 Equity 7.

As in the past gender equality and fairness top our agenda.
Relevant policies are formulated and implemented that ensure Namibian children, especially vulnerable and orphans, have equal access to our public schools.

It is our prayer that private providers emulate this trend.

• Though belated a policy for inclusive education is now ready for submission to the next cabinet session.
• I am sure this house will appreciate management information system (EMIS) statistics is improved to the fact that education include a chapter on learners with disabilities, • Equally, a register for orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) has been established and fully operational.

8.

Because of this positive developments; • 232,173 compared to last financial year of 197,000 of orphans and vulnerable children are now recorded on OVCs register.
• Similarly 32, 404 learners living with disabilities are registered on the EMISstatistics.

• Ministry has equally expanded school feeding programme from 269,585 last financial year to 270,000 this financial year.

9.

Notwithstanding more than 200 000 needy kids are still not fortunate enough to benefit from the feeding programme due to finance limitation.
Information just received reveals that about 24% of our public schools do not hove basic amenities some schools do not even have running water that and electricity.

In order to remedy the situation, we found it prudent more hostels are built at schools at highlands in flood prone regions.

10.
10.

In spite of efforts made, a number of inequality, geographical factors such as socio-economic vastness of the country leave alone the cultural diversity continue to threaten the provision of equitable access to our schools.

However.

Ministry is determined than ever before to fast track the improvement in provision of equitable access to schooling.
Available financial resources will certainly be put to good use in ensuring that all Page 3 of 19 learners receive learning materials and that especially at primary school level.

they receive basic meals Quality 11.

Though it is clear that quality is a relative term, concerted effort is geared toward the review of our general education curriculum.

The Ministry shall equally intensify the efforts in upgrading of teachers at all levels in order for them to deliver quality education.

12.
12.

Four identified areas aimed at strengthening and improving quality are: • Provision of procured government and ETSIPat a value of N$ 137,202,650,10. , text books: by MCA-N, while 1,740,003 text books were procured last year 94,000 books valued N$14 Million was by • The implementation of the incentives system aimed at improving quality of teaching and learning in rural schools costing the government 130 Million , , < per annum.
• Implementation of continuous professional development (CPD) programmes for teachers managers.

• Implementation of five year English language proficiency programme (ELPP).

Democracy/ Devolution With the implementation of decentralization everything is falling into place 13. as the processes are more faster at the regional level in particular procurement of goods and services.
The implementation is ongoing and Ministry is certain that with full implementation of decentralisation most of the hiccups if notall will be things of the past.

14.

Efficiency A system can only be declared to be efficient if there are measures in place aimed at the reduction of unnecessary wastage of resources, bureaucracy and red tape.

In the case of Ministry of Education we can only achieve this by making sure that effective learning and teaching take place in class room.

Page 4 of 19 15.
Page 4 of 19 15.

Reading Namibia was in position number 12 out of 14 Ministries of Education that took part in Southern Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality (SACMEQ) 11(2000) in terms of reading competence scoring only 448.8 which fell below the SACMEQ average of 500 by 51.2 points.

In SACMEQ III (2007) Namibia improved to the 9th position out of 15 ministries scoring 496.9.

Thisis quite commendable an improvement of 48.1 points and most remarkable in the entire SACMEQ III participants.
This was attributed to several interventions by the ministry and its stakeholders to improve quality reading.

'\r .

, Mathematics In SACMEQ 11(2000) Namibia's position was in the last position out of 14 ministries with 430.9 points and 69.1 points below the SACMEQ average (500).

In SACMEQ Ill, however, Namibia was positioned 13 out of 15 ministries, with 471 points.

This was an improvement by 40.1 points, although it was still below the 'SACMEQ average.
More needs to be done to improve our position and ensure that the Namibian learners understand the concept at the level of their syllabus.

Most of our learners are performing at very basic numerocv level and much needs to be done to rectify this situation.

Progress on other commitments in the 2012/2013 financial year: Significant progress has been made with respect to our Vision School in 16.

Kavangb.
Kavangb.

I'm pleased to announce that the Vision School's doors are finally open and Ieochinq has since commenced.

SECTION2: Budget for 2012/2013 17.

The entire budget for the year 2013/14 of Vote 10, Education is N$l 0,747,560,000 representing a 14% increase of the 2012/13 allocation.

activities are funded to the tune of N$10,103 470,000 (94%) Operational whilst N$644,090,000 (6%) programmes.
has been earmarked for development Page 5 of 19 The requested funding will be apportioned as follows: Pre-Primary Education N$312,819,000, Primary Education N$5, 858,780,000 Secondary Education & Training N$382,710,000 Higher 2,034,984,000 Vocational Education Learning N$321 724000 Coordination and Support Services N$109,390,000 Functions Associated with Education N$63,285,000.

N$l 663866000 and Adult Information Education Lifelong An amount expenditure in the sector.
of N$6.480,079,000 will cover remuneration and related 18.

The above figures shall support the instructional activities of 643.497 learners and students in our education system.

Of the above 22,867 attent pre- primary, 433,131 learners attend primary schools, 186,037 secondary, 2,000 (While at early special level.)
Around 63,000 students are studying at childhood tertiary education 10,900 at Vocational Training Centres countrywide, 35,257 at the Namibia College of Open Leaming and 28,885 in our Adult Learl')ing Proqrommes, learners who are catered for in special school.

institutions in and outside the country, development >;..

".,'.

~ 19.

The budget allocation is divided into three important components which are: a) b) c) Head office N$ 1.0 billion representing 9 % of the total budget.
Thirteen (13) Regional Directorates of Educotion N$7,622,779,000 information, adult education (comprising of general and lifelong learning) education, constituting 71,0% of the total budget and, State Owned Enterprises (SOE)N$ 2,121.400,000 representing 20.0% of the entire education budget.

20.

As I earlier on mentioned I would like to inform this house that vote 10 is made up of eight programmes which are: 1.

Pre-Primary Education 2.

Primary Education 3.

Secondary Education 4.


Vocational Education & Training 5.

6.

Higher Education 7.

Support Services 8.

Functions Associated with Education Information and Adult Lifelong Learning Page 6 of 19 21.

Allow me, Chairperson of the Whole House Committee to provide a summary of the programmes, year 2012/2013, and major activities fiscal year 2013/2014.
a brief account of developments for the fiscal that we propose to carry out in the SECTlON3:Programme Implementation 2013/14 Nomination for Priority Area Programme 1: Pre-primary Education 21.

The objective of the pre-primary education programrile is to prepare the five and six year old children for primary school education.

It provides a stimulating environment for the all-round development of the child and lays the foundation for formal schooling.
A total of N$312,819,177 has been allocated to this programme for the 2013/14 fiscal year.

2012/13 has seen an increase in the number of pre-primary leorners from 5, 000 to 12,500 learners.

22.

Despite this achievement.

the demand for access to pre-primary is much higher than what the Ministry anticipated.

23.

The target and cared for by addition'al 177 teachers.
A remarkable boost for 2013/2014 is to expand access to 22,000 children to be taught for this programme is the extension of Universal Primary Education to learners in the pre-primary phase.

We expect significant inflows into this phase in 2014.

Programme 2: Primary Education 24.


The primorv educotlon programme focuses on the learners of the age group 7 to 14 acquiring basic literacy and numeracy as well as, skillsfor better understanding of themselves, their communities, the nature around them and how to look after programme include; provision of education their health.

The activities under this facilities including hostels, teachers, textbooks and the provision of school feeding programme to all needy learners.
An amount of N$5,858,780,310 was budgeted for.

25.

Whilst a 93% primary school net enrolment is a remarkable achievement.

efforts are still needed to ensure that the remaining 7% of learners attend schools.

Page 7 of 19 26.

A total of 1,095,666 textbooks and other learning support material to the value of N$81,996,544 were procured for a total number of 415,454 learners in 2012.
While at this point I would like to sincerely thank our development partners in particular MCA for supporting us in the provision of needed textbooks.

The School Feeding Programme served 269,585 learners in 2012, exceeding the target of 250,000.

A review of this prograrnme with a view for possible extension to the secondary phase is underway.

27.

28.

It is worth mentioning that the Grade 7 (2012) Standard Achievement to show substantive improvements.
The percentage The results of continue low achievement learners decreased in all subjects and we are very pleased with this trend.

the percentage with Basic level in Grade 7 English, increased between 2010 and 2012 from achievement 50% to 56%; in Mathematics from 45% to 60%; and in Science from 52% to 58%.

However, the percentage gaining Above Basic and Excellent in 2012 It is was only 16% in English; 16% in Mathematics; and 27% in Science.
essential for a much larger number of learners to improve to Above Basic level.

Tests (SATs) of » '\'.

Initiatives to be taken in 2013 include the strengthening of the Continuing Professional Development aimed at upgrading the skills of service courses at Circuit, Cluster and School emphasis on the most effective level of training, which is at school level.

(CPD) Unit at the University of Namibia, which is teachers.

This unit will strengthen the in- levels, with particular 29.

Hon.
Hon.

Deputy Chclrperson of the whole house committee, as I said earlier on that the Ministry is in the process of reviewing the entire general education curriculum.

This review include the revision of the History curriculum to provide a stronger foundation of Namibia and African history and the introduction of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) subjects at school level.

Programme 3: Secondary Education 30.


The Secondary Education phase is a stage where learners' vision for life in terms of careers is formed.

31.

The activities under this programme include; provision of education facilities teachers, provision of including hostels, supply and management of textbooks, management of school hostels, learning assessments and curriculum development.

Page 8 of 19 32.
Page 8 of 19 32.

Net enrolment in secondary education increased from 55.7% of the appropriate age group in 2010 to 58% in 2012.

The pass rate at Grades 10 has remained stable at 47.3% in 2010 achieving D and above compared to 47.4% in 2012.

In the 2012 Grade 12 Ordinary Level Examinations.

40.9% of candidates scored Grade D and above.

This is similar with the results over the last four years.

33.
33.

A total of 738.607 textbooks and other learning materials valued at N$55 million were procured for secondary school learners.

This injection of textbooks will ultimately contribute towards realizing the 1:1 textbook ratio in the secondary phase.

34.

The national external school evaluation was carried out in 36 schools.

This exercise was aimed at identifying the strength and weaknesses in each school and to put in place remedial actions.
were recruited at all schools enrolling more than 250 learners.

Ih addition.

Idfe Skillsteachers , 'tt. "

35.

The amount of N$2.034.985.000 will be utilized for; Basic education curriculum reform to prepare for implementation in 2014. in-service training of teachers.

provision of learning support material and textbooks and other teaching materials.

expenses for teachers in the secondary phase.

improvement of infrastructure and the remuneration 36.

Since independence.
Since independence.

the catering for of this programme has received the highest allocation falling under general the Head Office directorates education namely; a) b) c) d) Programme Quality Assurance (PQA) Directorate National Examinations and Assessment (DNEA) Planning and Development National Institute for Educational (PAD) and Development (NIED) 37.

As I said earlier on the allocation made to the 13 Regional councils to exercise the decentralisation function is N$ 7.622.779.000.

38.
38.

It is thus crucial to note that N$ 5.261 billion shall be spent on twenty- four thousand six hundred and sixty (24 660) teachers and 4 000 support staff's teachers.

head salaries.

Inclusive in this amount is the salaries of principals.

Page 9 of 19 39.

40. of departments and inspectors.

These personnel are in charge of seven hundred and fifteen thousand five hundred and fifty three (715 553) learners taught in one thousand seven hundred (1 700) schools country wide.
The amount also caters for the three hundred and fifty (350) hostels of which two hundred and six are government hostels, eighty three (83) are subsidized, sixteen (16) are private, while forty five (45) are community hostels.

The building of additional classrooms throughout our expansion policy of access to schooling.

the country is in line with I now want financial year 2013/14.

to concentrate on the Ministry's major planned activities for this I.
Construction of not less than 1000 additional classrooms.

We are expected to spend not less then N$ 2 Million per region in this financial year.

ii.

As per our plan, orphans and vulnerable children, marginalised and children with special needs should get first priority access to hostels as well as to feeding.

To make this plan a reality, school programme is allocated N$ 32 Million this financial year.

feeding iii.
feeding iii.

Continue sub'sidisingprivate schools and hostels like last financial year ~ subsidy to private hostels are currently at N$ 12.00 per child per month.

iv.

Procurement of textbooks and other instructional materials is on course.

v. Ensuring that technical and vocational subjects are included in the review of general education curriculum as from 2014. vi.

Intensification of capacity building programmes for both school teachers and managers.

VII.
VII.

Motivate and strengthen tertiary and vocational training by ensuring that programmes developed are demand driven as opposed to supply driven.

Page 10 of 19 -s , " .

~... " viii.

Ensure that newly enacted National Commission of Science and Technology is encouraged support empirical research and development and is fully operational and they in turn our Institutions of higher learning by (with concurrence of the Ministry) allocating reasonable funding.
Programme 4: Technical and Vocational Education and Training 41.

Thisprogramme re-orients vocational education and training from a supply driven to a demand driven in line with the needs of our country.

It involves employers in articulating identifying needed skills, in co-financing through a training levy (commencing development 015t September skills this year) and in overseeing the delivery of vocational education initiatives.

It further seeks to convert based education and training programme.
traditional time-based training into competency 42.

The year 2012 saw an increase in the Qyerall enrolment numbers in the figure in Vocational Education and Trainirig sector.

The total enrolment ~, .

.'

' Vocational Education and Training increased from 8,858 to 10,900 trainees in 2012.

Thisyear the enrolment figure stands at 11 000 trainees.

43.

An amount of N$382,709,841 is required for the expansion and renovation of existing centres, expenses of the vocational education and training centres.
the supply of equipment as well as the operational 44.

The increase in the budgetary allocation is attributed to the development projects which increased in allocation from N$ 28,000,000.00 in 2012/13 to N$ 45,3?9:000c'00, 2013/14 representing a 62% increase.

This increase is an indicatio'n of the government's commitment towards the expansion of VET subsector as required by the National Development Plan 4.

45.
45.

The Namibia Training Authority (NTA) has also taken significant strides in the operationalization of the Training Levy.

The training levy will be operational by September 2013.

46.

The Vocational Education and Training sector needs to expand to allow more technically vocational and inclined young Namibians to pursue technical career paths.

Whereby doing away with the myth that vocational training is only meant for those who cannot make it at Tertiary level.
However, the lack of qualified trainers hampers the growth of the Page 11 of 19 subsector.

A planned partnership between the Namibia Training Authority and the Polytechnic of Namibia and Institutions in Zimbabwe for the training of instructors will soon address this problem.

Programme 5: Information and Adult Lifelong Learning Adult Education 47.
The objective of this programme is to ensure that learning opportunities are available to all Namibians with a view that such opportunities improve their livelihood.

Thisis done through open and distance learning activities for out-of-school youth.
The programme includes efforts that narrow the digital divide and respond to the requirements of a knowledge-based society by providing free access to educational and research material as well as to internet services, the promotion of oral history, reading and writing in Namibian languages.

We request an amount of N$321 ,724, 187 for Adult and Lifelong Learning Programme.< 48.

2012/13 witnessed 28,885 enrolments of adults in literacy classes.

Currently national literacy level is at an 89% record high.
The following regions are still below national average, these are; Otjozondjupa (77%), Omaheke (68.7%), Kavango (80%) Kunene (67.9%), Ohangwena (85.2%) and finally Caprivi (85.8%).

We shall strive .

"this year to reach out to many adult learners.

49.

As I said last year in this August house, it is through this programme that goals of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which envisages that come 2015, literacy levels shall increase to 90% will be achieved.

50.
50.

During 2013, the Namibia College of Open Learning (NAMCOL) recorded education figure of 35,257 for the highest enrolment programme since its establishment.

its secondary 51.

Following a Cabinet directive to "investigate the practice of using the same teachers for formal education and Open learning and make alternative recommendations", the College appointed a separate cadre of staff from retired and unemployed teachers at four secondary schools.
More than 30 teachers were appointed to facilitate tuition to more than 2000 learners.

Page 12 of 19 52.
Page 12 of 19 52.

For Information Adult and Life Long Learning the allocation for this financial year 2013/2014, stands at N$ 214,697,000 Library and Information Services In line with the NDP4 target to ensure adequate ICT infrastructure to facilitate economic development and competitiveness as well as improve opportunities for education and employment, the Ministry provided and continues to provide free public ICT access in all community libraries and Community Learning and Development Centres.

53.

54.
53.

54.

55.

In line with the NDP4 and Millennium Development Goal number eight, the Ministry of Education through Libraries and other Information services, provides access to ICT and information resources and would like to continue with this program in order to.

facilitate" economic development.

competitiveness education and employment.

as well as improve lifelong learning opportunities for "{"""."
, In the 2012/13 financial year, the number of libraries providing public use computers increased from 29 to 42.

This brings the percentage of libraries offering free public ICTaccess to 66%, libraries.

The new structure gives adequate in improving the research and economic Lack of professional staff continued to be a constraint library network and its contribution to education, development.
During 2012/2013 financial year, the Ministry addressed this problem by developing a new structure that provides for professional staff in community and school staffing for an the 64 community libraries as well as for the four Regional Study and Resource Centres.

The structure was approved by OPM and will be implemented 2013/14.

As this August house was informed last year, The Ministry with assistance from MCA is building three Regional Study and Resource Centres in the following regions: Oshana,Oshakati.
Omaheke- Gobabis and Ohangwena-Helao Nafidi, information needs and facilitate access to E-Iearning and e-government.

They'll be constructed at a total cost of N$136 349 809. to address regional 56.

In 2012/13 a total of 655 941 visits were recorded from libraries across the country, which was an increase from 478 431 in 2011/12.

Library user numbers continue to demonstrate that in our country, the library network is an important support system for education and development.
The Ministry Page 13 of 19 is currently building a fourth Regional Study and Resource Center Omusati to address the same gaps as indicated above.

in The National Archives is an Information Institution, falling under this Ministry.

these records Thisinstitution is keeping the historical records of our country; need to be preserved in order to be made accessible for Education and research.

As a mandate given by this August House, the National Archives is the watchdog of all government O/M/A/s records.
Training government preservation, Ministries and parastetals in proper retention and destruction of these records is a mammoth task, which requires skilled personnel, a challenge that the Ministry is addressing.

record management, The allocation management for activities for libraries, archives services and record stands at N$107,028,000.
Programme 6: Higher Education \ Achievements and Challenges in 2011/2012 and Major Activities in Fiscal Year 2012/2013 \'.. Our efforts in Higher Education concentrate equity and effectiveness.

We are further committed on enhancing efficiency, to narrow the gap 57.

58. between various population groups in accessing tertiary education in our country.

We will continue to higher education to facilitate institutions by all deserving Namibian students from all thirteen (13) regions.

access 59.
access 59.

An amount of N$ 1,663,866,000 is budgeted for.

for this programme, consisting of direct new public University), the National Council transfers to the University of Namibia, the Polytechnic (our for Higher Education (NCHE), the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) and the National Qualifications Authority (NQA).

60.
60.

The development of University and Polytechnic qualifications on the basis of and different objectives and mandates will be pursued and duplication wastage will not have the blessings of the ministry and shall thus be eliminated.

In the last financial year we committed ourselves to carry out a study aimed at clarifying the respective roles of our Higher Education Institutions.
We further promised to carry out a reform of our system for the funding of higher education institutions and the funding of students at those Page 14 of 19 institutions.

The aim is to have transparent criteria, fair and just application and assessment processes for the funding of higher education.

61.

I am pleased to inform this house that the consultancy on the funding of higher education is in full swing and will be completed soon.
The consultants on comprehensive study of Higher Education system as 62. directed by Cabinet have completed their assignment.

Thisisthe assignment which will or gave birth to a new public University.

University of Science and Technology.


Therefore major activities during the year 2013 will be; i) An amount of N$ 293 million will be spent on other hlqher-educotion infrastructure with emphasis on buildings for fields that experience library, teacher shortage of human resources (engineering, medicine, education and nursing).

A substantial amount will go towards the provision of subsidies for ii) higher education institutions, the development .ot a/funding framework for institutions of higher learning.
iii) Loans and scholarships for higher education institutions will take up N$ 602 million.

Enrolment 63.

University of Namibia (UNAM) 'and the Polytechnic of Namibia continue to register phenomenal the University of Namibia increased from 16, 362 to 17,540 in the last twelve months.

The Polytechnic of Namibia, has registered 12,022 this year.

growth.

Enrolment at 64.

Human resources who.

are the backbone of our national economy are products of these and other private institutions.
Further, these institutions and community of scholars should be applauded for producing young men and women the future wealth creators of our society.

Certainly the nation is depended on this sector for the attainment of Vision 2030.

65.

It is an open secret that many Namibians with tertiary education are currently employed in the region, US, Europe and Asia.
While it's encouraging to note that Namibians are excelling in competitive work environment overseas, it is equally alarming that we are loosing our best talents to other nations.

It is my belief that a concerted effort is a prerequisite to entice Namibians abroad to return, alternatively to tap their expertise.

Page 15 of 19 That said, we cannot simply appeal to their sense of patriotism, cultural or family ties to return home.
We need to offer a conducive working culture and a living environment which will enable them to flourish.

It is my belief that time is now and conditions are ripe to allow this to happen in Namibia.

I am certain given the right working and social conditions Namibians overseas shall be willing to return.
As such I have directed my colleagues that a comprehensive yet targeted "brain gain" programme one that attracts professionals in the field of education residing in foreign countries be developed as a matter of utmost urgency to be tabled to the Cabinet.

66.

N$ 1,663,866,000 is allocated to this programme.

Namibia Students Financial Assistant Fund (NSFAF) 67.

2012/2013, this Fund supported 8,582 students at tertiary education institutions.
In an effort to ensure that this fund caters for all qualified yet needy students, Cabinet directed that this fund be reviewed and revamped as a matter of urgency.

This year has seen the process started and completed.

I am therefore pleased to announce that last Cabinet session endorsed the reviewed and revamped new NSFAFstructure and approved the recruitment of the new head of Secretariat.
The allocation to this fund is increased from N$ 519,636,00Q during the financial year 2012/2013 to N$ 62l,136,000 during this financial year 2013/2014.

68.

69.

Programme 7: Support Services An amount of N$109,390,000 is allocated for this programme in the 2013/14 fjnancial year. "

The activities for which budgetary support supervision.

provisron are made includes policy services, management, coordination of ICT mainstreaming, planning, administration and monitoring & evaluation.
Page 16 of 19 Programme 8: Functions Associated with Education Science, Technology and Innovation 70.

The primary aim of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)unit is to coordinate, promote and develop National Research, Science, Technology and Innovation capacity.

71.

In order to carry out this mandate, the Government has created the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology during the 2012/2013 financial year.
ThisCommission will manage the National Research, Science and Technology Fund, which will be used to finance strategic research programmes.

The National Commission will identify national Science Innovations (STI) priorities to be contoined Technology Science Programme for Namibia, in consultotion-with the STIstakeholders.

in the National (I '''\'' '; '\'.

72.

In view of allocated N$ 48,087,000 to this unit.

the significance of science and technology, the ministry has 73.
Recognising the importance of this sector for socio-economic development the Government through the National Development Plan 4 stated that by 2017, 0.3% Gross Domestic Product should be spent on " This will Research ap9~pevelopment.

scientific infrastructure development and the development of high level STI include spending on national human capacity.
One such STIinfrastructure that Namibia needs is the Genetically Modified O"rganism Testing and Research laboratory that will be developed at a cost of N$ 85 million.

Thisfacility will enable Namibia to research and testing on substances that require high safety levels.

conduct 74.

This year financing the.

main activities earmarked include the facilitation of National and areas such as research programme covering indigenous biotechnology, space science as well as promoting STI.
knowledge, addition, value innovation, water, ICT, 75.

Namibia's aspiration is to become thus sharing and use should be in particular knowledge enhanced through the development of systems for the management and sharing of research outputs.

a knowledge-driven the generation, nation, Page 17 of 19 HIV and AIDS Management Unit 76.

This unit was specially designed to mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS in Education Sector given the spread of HIV/ AIDs pandemic.

An amount of N$ 10,758,000 is allocated.


The Namibia National Commission for UNESCO 77.

The Namibia National Commission for UNESCOmanages relations between Namibia and UNESCOthrough provision of advice on all UNESCOrelated matters.

The Commission also ensures that Namibia, as a member state of and Uniled Nations, participates evaluation is earmarked for this purpose.

of UNESCO programmes.

An amount of N$ 9,345,000 fully in the preparation, execution SECTION 4: National.
Regional and Global Strategy 78.

The responsibility bestowed upon this Ministry requires overall co-ordination and collaboration with strategic partners.

Only when this happens, will the i.e.

the transformation of the whole education accomplishment of our goal system be certain.

79.

We are inde;;'d pleased that a number of projects and programmes are • lined up to aid the Ministry in addressing common areas of National.

the international Regional as well as global interest.
Below are few of obligations that Ministry embarked on viz: meeting Millennium Development Goals, Education for all (2015), Education for Sustainable Development, SADC protocol on education and training as well as African Union Second Decade of Education.

Ministry has concretized bilateral and technical agreements with countries in areas of technical and financial assistance, scholarship and fellowships.
It is our promise that we shall carry on with our efforts in ensuring that at the home front civil society and businesses are brought on board with one motto i.e.

the improvement of teaching and learning outcomes in our schools.

Page 18 of 19 80.

It is precisely because of this that we continue to applaud and to express our gratitude to our stakeholders and strategic partners both locally and internationally such as MCC for their continued support.

SECTION5: Final Remarks 81.


Finally and very finally, Education Ministry being the largest in terms of personnel, resource allocation and size it remains to be the backbone of our socio-economic activities and therefore efforts should not be spared towards the performance of all activities of this Ministry.

82.

I would like to remind us all that, a plan is as good as its execution.
implemented If it is fully the N$ 10, 7 Billion will and its objectives are achieved certainly be a vital impetus on our journey to the developed nation status.

83.

I now request, on behalf of Team Education and the entire education fraternity that this house, discuss and pass this vote for the amount of Ten Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty Seven Million, Five Hundred and Sixty Thousand Namibia Dollars (10, 747, 560, 000) in its entirety.

I thank you!

!.

Page 19 of 19