An Assessment of the delegated education and training function of the Kunene Regional Council

Abstract

The mandate of the Regional Education Directorate is to provide access to quality education in Namibia. This sector has been identified as the priority social service due to its fundamental importance in improving the quality of life hence this study undertook an assessment of the delegated education and training function of the Kunene Regional Council. The study used a qualitative method in data collection due to its ability to yield rich and thick description of phenomena. The research design was a case study involving key informant interviews, observation and desk research. Ten interviewees were purposively and conveniently selected from four key stakeholders: The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Local Authorities and the National Planning Commission. The research population for this study consisted of about 300 staff members and 30 respondents constituted the sample size for this study. To supplement primary data, secondary data was sourced from observation and desk study of relevant documents. Data were analysed by arranging the responses thematically. The findings of the research revealed that the understanding of the decentralisation policy and concepts are different among research participants. The findings further revealed that there is a lack of inter-organisational collaboration and coordination regarding the management of delegated education
activities which leads to poor planning as well as refusal by seconded staffs to follow the correct reporting lines. The study recommends more sensitization and advocacy on education and the challenges faced by the Kunene Regional Council.