Know Your Civil Servant – Public policy should guide school principals

Lahja Nashuuta Reinhold Mutighoma, the principal of Ekondjo Primary School in the Ncamagoro Circuit in Kavango West region, has urged other public servants to apply public policy in their decision making to improve service delivery to schools. He says public policy helps leaders understand how to serve communities fairly and effectively. The principal notes that school leaders should not only focus on managing schools, but should also understand the policies that affect learners, teachers and communities.

“Policies shape the education sector. Principals need to understand them so they can better support learners and teachers,” he said. Mutighoma emphasises that public policy is a practical tool that can help leaders make better decisions, strengthen institutions and improve the lives of ordinary people.

According to him, public officials who understand policy are better able to work in the interests of the students and community in ensuring that government programmes are implemented properly. Being a public servant Mutighoma holds a degree in Curriculum Studies from Great Zimbabwe University. He has worked in the education sector for more than 15 years.