Seven in Ten Namibian Children Fail Basic Literacy and Numeracy

[PODCAST]

Seven out of ten Namibian children cannot read or do basic mathematics by the age of ten. According to Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp, a national Grade 3 assessment revealed that only 28% passed the literacy benchmark in 2024, with just 5% meeting the numeracy standard. Journalist Ester Mbathera speaks to the minister about the findings, the causes, and the measures being taken to address the crisis.