Australia backs DAPP Namibia ECD teacher training
The Australian government has invested in strengthening early childhood education in Namibia through a two-year programme aimed at training 66 early childhood development (ECD) teachers and expanding access to qualified educators in rural and underserved communities.
The support, provided through Australia's Direct Aid Programme (DAP), began in 2026 and will run through 2027 in partnership with Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Namibia.
The investment comes as Namibia strengthens its commitment to early childhood development under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and transitions leadership of the National Integrated Early Childhood Development (NIECD) programme to the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture.
The initiative is intended to help build an ECD workforce capable of meeting evolving national requirements and internationally recognised Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) standards.
Under the programme, 22 full-time students will undertake training at the DAPP Vocational Training School (DAPP VTS) in Onambelela in the Omusati Region, while a further 44 students from rural and underserved communities will participate through a blended learning model.
Upon completing the programme, 22 graduates will receive kindergarten start-up kits to establish or strengthen community-based kindergartens.
Giving children a head start
DAPP Namibia has been involved in early childhood education for more than three decades, having established its vocational training school in Onambelela in 1993.
The organisation has since established community-based kindergartens and trained hundreds of ECD practitioners through its Pre-schools of the Future (POF) Teacher Training programme, which uses a practical and play-based approach to early learning.
The programme has now evolved into a two-year qualification leading to a Level 6 Diploma in Early Childhood Development Teaching. The qualification is registered on Namibia’s National Qualifications Framework and accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA).
The training is also designed to address the needs of practising educators who may have years of experience but lack formal qualifications.
DAPP Namibia managing director Alfred Besa said the programme was ultimately focused on giving children a strong foundation in their earliest years. "Giving every child the best start in life is our aim. Learning through play is our method for the young ones,” Besa said.
Backing teachers, shaping futures
The Australian-funded programme is also expected to contribute to employment creation, particularly for young people and women in rural areas.
By increasing the number of formally trained ECD teachers, the initiative aims to improve the quality of teaching in community kindergartens while strengthening children's preparedness for formal schooling. It also supports the broader objective of expanding access to early childhood education, particularly in communities where access to qualified ECD practitioners remains limited.
The transition of NIECD leadership to the education ministry is expected to further integrate early childhood development into the country's education system and strengthen coordination of services provided to young children. DAPP said the Australian government's support reflects a shared commitment to education, gender equality, community empowerment and sustainable development.
The organisation said investing in ECD teachers was an investment in the people responsible for shaping children's earliest learning experiences.
DEVELOPMENT: DAPP Namibia’s early childhood teacher training programme is receiving Australian government support to train 66 educators and strengthen community-based kindergartens across Namibia. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
