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Our aim is to improve the quality of teaching and learning through effective teachers in English, the Foundation of Education, the development of reading skills, Mathematics, Sciences, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). At the Ministry of Education's request, the Foundation supports the implementation of the Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme (ETSIP), as envisaged in the achievement of Namibia's Vision 2030. By supporting the implementation of ETSIP, the Rössing Foundation also directly addresses the needs of local industry, in that high-school graduates qualify for employment, or enter tertiary education and training institutions. (In 2008 25% of grade 12 graduates from Kolin Foundation thus qualified for access to tertiary education and training institutions.) The Foundation's Whole School Development Programme consists of the following interventions: School based teacher support programme
The transformation of the Namibian education system at independence from the Cape Education Department Curriculum to the Cambridge education system left many teachers stranded with a lack of English knowledge and skills. Furthermore, the lack of training of teachers in terms of the new learner-centred approach as well as a lack of knowledge in the practical work in mathematics and science required the education sector to engage teachers in upgrading their knowledge and skills through short courses and workshops to enable them to cope with the new teaching and learning demands. Some 16 years later, this has yielded good results in respect of certain teaching capacities, but schools continue to perform poorly, and the industries that depend on quality school graduates have started to suffer. In consultation with the Ministry of Education and the Office of the Prime Minister, the Board of Directors of Rössing Uranium Limited and Rössing Foundation's Board of Trustees have started to assist Government in reversing the trend of poor performance by both teachers and learners at selected schools in the Erongo and Oshana Regions. On the basis of extensive research carried out by the Rössing Foundation over a period of two years, a school-based support and after-school development approach was implemented to improve overall school performance and examination outcomes. Education is the principal focal area of development. Rössing Foundation's education programmes are guided by Ministry of Education programmes, specifically the Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme (ETSIP) and the Palaborwa Foundation Model. The Palaborwa Foundation Model includes the “Master Maths” computeraided programme, mathematics, science and language development, and education from pre-school to tertiary level. The Rössing Foundation approach is based on competency-based education. This is in line with the Ministry of Education's policy, as reflected in the Curriculum for Basic Education. A learner- centred approach is used to facilitate the learning and teaching process in preparation for a knowledge-based society. The Foundation's purpose is to improve quality teaching and learning through effective teachers in the following disciplines:
These teachers in turn impact significantly on learners' achievements, both in the formal and non-formal education sectors. At the Ministry of Education's request, the Rössing Foundation supports the latter's efforts in implementing ETSIP, as envisaged in the achievements for the 30-year national development plan known as Vision 2030. By assisting in this way, the Rössing Foundation indirectly addresses local industry needs and, in so doing, helps to prepare high-school graduates qualify for employment or further education and training. During the year under review, the Rössing Foundation began the process of establishing Educational Centres in Arandis, Ondangwa and Swakopmund, respectively. These three Centres focus on English, mathematics, the sciences, library services, and ICT services, which include specialist services for educators as well as general services. Through these centres educational subject related opportunities were provided to 9798 learners. Another achievement during the year was the further implementation of the Foundation's Whole School Development Programme, which is based on the following:
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The Rössing Foundation strategy and input to education rests on a learner centred educational approach. This is in line with the Ministry of Education's policy, as reflected in the Curriculum for Basic Education. This approach is used to facilitate the learning and teaching process, in preparation for a knowledge based society.
