14/3/13
All of the learners sent from each region are supposed to be classified as vulnerable based on family income of family life, or orphans. Each region is supposed to send their top performing OVCs (orphans and vulnerable children) to coming to this school for free. They don't pay for anything. Not a cent. And this is really great for these kids. They are given an opportunity no one else in the country gets. But many of them were selected because they were the top performing learners. Not OVCs. So there are really smart children who cannot afford school, whose places are taken here by learners who can afford school elsewhere. It is not fair. The way learners are selected needs to change. The more important thing here HAS to be the OVC factor, not the learners' grades. Otherwise, there is no point in having it be free and then the whole purpose behind the school is lost.
wow that is a tough thing. I understand what you are saying of course, and that is the thought behind the Vision 2030 -- raise everyone by raising the least of us (per Namibia). But I also understand the motivations for sending top students to ensure the school's success -- cynical, but understandable. How much does school cost there (as a percentage of income?) Is it like college here?
ReplyDeleteThey've just made primary (through grade 5, I think) free for all learners. Then it depends on the school. Most schools have a "school development" fee that is anywhere from $50-$150 per term, I think. Then learners have to buy pencils, uniforms, supplies on top of that. Here, they don't pay for anything-not even toiletries.
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