Teacher welfare crisis threatens quality of education, TUN tells Parliament

Allexer Namundjembo

The Teachers’ Union of Namibia (TUN) has warned that the country’s education system will continue to struggle unless the government urgently addresses the worsening welfare of teachers, arguing that poor working conditions are directly affecting classroom performance and learner outcomes.

Presenting before the National Council’s Standing Committee on Education, Science, ICT and Youth Development on Thursday, TUN vice president Tjandero Tjituka said teachers are under immense financial and emotional pressure, making it increasingly difficult to deliver quality education.

“The challenges affecting teachers have a great impact on teachers’ emotional, psychological and social well-being, consequently hindering effective teaching and learning in schools,” Tjituka said.

The union cited low salaries, inadequate housing, poor health and safety conditions, increasing debt and excessive workloads among the key issues confronting educators.