The minister of higher education made shocking revelations Wednesday when he disclosed that the current education system did not bring enough "returns on investments" since 1990 and needed the astronomical sum of N$23,4 billion between now and 2010 to revamp and improve the educational and vocational sector. Minister Nahas Angula disclosed this sorry state at the media briefing on Cabinet decisions on Wednesday led by Information Minister Nangolo Mbumba. He admitted that the current school curricula for Grades 1 to 10 did not equip school children with enough knowledge and skills to succeed in the labour market after leaving school. A study of the World Bank conducted since 2003 for his ministry brought these facts to light, Angula said. The abolished pre-primary classes, which existed until indepen-dence at many government schools, would be re-introduced to prepare 3 to 6-year olds for school, he said. Now N$ 23,4 billion were needed to adapt and improve the education system. A round table conference was organised for 10 and 11 March in Windhoek to brainstorm on these issues, he added. Angula appealed to the private sector, donor countries and NGO’s to contribute up to 15% of the required N$23,4 billion.

Meanwhile members of the Namibia Teachers’ Union (TUN) will stage a peaceful march through Windhoek next Tuesday afternoon to protest against their low salaries.