The Case of Non-formal Education Provisions in Namibia

There are established and irrefutable evidences which show the symbiotic and dialectical links between education and development. (Aklilpelu,'90, Duke,'85;Obaiiewa.'84, Omolewa.'94;Indabawa,'94; and Sagcan.'97). Education can liberate and make human beings more completely human (Freire); it can empower especially the disadvantaged groups. It is also capable of being an instrument for the eradication of literacy, preventable diseases, social apathy, social immobility and can as well enhance the human potential for greater economic productivity and reduction of human social inequality, (Anipene,'80; Adiseshiah,'80;Duke,'83; and Indabawa,'91). Given this background. all investment in educational provisions, whether formal or nonformal. will be well justified. However, this is not to suggest that education on its own will be the only precondition for human development. Education too, has its own damaging consequences on society, especially if it is used as a vehicle for promoting less than the general good of society; or it turns out to be irelevant to the popular needs ( Ayandele,'74;Akinpelu,'97; Shirley,'96). The aim of this paper is to stimulate discussion of and interest in Nonformal Educational Provisions in the Republic of Namibia. In facilitating this, ttention will be paid to seven basic issues as follows: Country background, Concept of Nonformal Education. Policy context of nonformal education provisions; Diversity of provisions; relation to formal education; Relevance of programmes to beneficiaries and Impact.