An Investigation on the Training of School Board Members in Zambezi Region, Namibia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the training of school board members in Zambezi region, Namibia. The study adopted a qualitative research design approach. The data was gathered using interviews and focus group discussions. In this study, the researchers worked with principals and SBMs in Zambezi region, Namibia. The findings revealed that majority of principals and school board members (SBMs) did not seem to have received school board training. They learned their roles and responsibilities through reading the copy of Part V of the Education Act, Act 16 of 2001 and a booklet titled “The work of the school board: A booklet for school boards in Namibia”. The researcher recommends that principals and SBMs need compulsory and appropriate training that will enable them to understand and perform their roles and responsibilities well. Where necessary, school board trainers should employ the vernacular language (or seek the services of an interpreter) so that parent SBMs who are not bilingual can understand and grasp all the essential concepts of the training programme.