choosing how to educate your child is one of the most personal and important decisions you’ll make. In Namibia, the landscape for homeschooling has evolved with the Basic Education Act 3 of 2020, which now guides compulsory education and provides a framework for home-based learning. If you’re exploring this path—perhaps because your child thrives better in a tailored environment, faces health challenges, or simply because it aligns with your family’s values—it’s helpful to understand the rules clearly and thoughtfully.
Compulsory Education: When Schooling Begins and Ends
Namibian law requires children to receive education from the first school day of the year in which they turn 6 years old until the last school day of the year they reach 18 (or until they complete secondary education, a specialized program, or qualify for an exemption). This ensures every child has access to foundational learning, but it also opens the door for flexible alternatives like homeschooling when traditional schooling isn’t the best fit.
The Legal Framework for Homeschooling
Homeschooling falls under the Basic Education Act 3 of 2020 (which came into force in stages, with key provisions effective from October 2023, replacing the older Education Act of 2001). The Act defines homeschooling as education delivered by parents, caregivers, or privately appointed tutors using a legally approved curriculum at home, rather than in a public or private school.
Parents must apply to register a child for homeschooling with the Minister of Education no later than 10 school days after the school year starts—or by the day the child turns six. Approval may be granted if:
- A health condition or disability makes regular school attendance difficult or impossible.
- Homeschooling is clearly in the child’s best interest.
- The home education meets (or exceeds) the minimum curriculum standards and quality of state schools.
Once approved, the education can be monitored, and registration may be withdrawn if standards aren’t maintained. This structure aims to protect children’s right to quality education while respecting family choices.
Important note: The Act focuses on registration through the Ministry (often framed as private school registration in practice). There’s no specific mandate for “unregistered” home education in the law, but official channels emphasize applying directly to the Ministry for approval to ensure compliance and learner safety.
Recent clarifications from the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture stress that only the Ministry holds authority to regulate, approve, or monitor homeschooling—no other body can legally act in this role.
Practical Advice for Families Considering Homeschooling
Many families find homeschooling rewarding because it allows personalized pacing, focus on individual strengths, and incorporation of family values or cultural elements. However, staying aligned with legal requirements helps avoid complications.
- Direct Ministry Registration: If pursuing formal approval, apply through the Ministry of Education. This ensures your setup meets official standards, though it may involve following a state-aligned curriculum if enforced.
- Community Support: Connecting with other homeschooling parents can provide encouragement, shared resources, and practical tips. Groups offer community without claiming regulatory power.
One active support organization is the Homeschool Association of Namibia (HSAN), a non-profit focused on guiding families—especially those whose children struggle in mainstream settings—through resources, information, and community building. They emphasize tailored, flexible programs (often online options like CambriLearn, GED, or others) and clarify they do not register as a school or hold official regulatory status.
For more details or to connect:
- Website: hsanamibia.com
- Phone: +264-81-577-6089
- Email: info@hsanamibia.com
- Contact person: Monja Gouws (via the association channels)
Always cross-check the latest guidance directly with the Ministry of Education for your specific situation, as regulations can evolve.
Homeschooling isn’t for every family, but for those it suits, it can create a nurturing, effective learning journey. If you’re weighing this option, take time to review your child’s needs, explore approved curricula, and reach out for support. You’re not alone.
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Official Links
https://www.meiysac.gov.na/
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Non-Official Links but provide support
Homeschool Association Namibia
