Before Independence the policy of Apartheid, which meant ‘segregation in terms of race or ethnic background’ was geared to help people feel secure within their ethnic backgrounds. Some people may suggest that our schools have already become battlefields for different ideological political concerns, and that addressing this issue now is already late. Hopefully, if we can address these differing per
spectives, we will be able to reduce violence and help our schools to become better equipped to prepare the next generation of leaders and thinkers. The document titled “Discipline from within: A Guide for Principals, Teachers, Learners, Parents and Communities” published by the Ministry of Basic Education and Culture stresses that the whole success of a school stems mainly from the principal. The principal is responsible for everything that goes on at the school. Let me use the following sub-heading for the role of the school.
• Various processes of administering a school
• The present community
• The future
The various processes of administering a school
• Leadership
Leadership is the ability to lead and motivate others to action. Leadership can be either democratic, authoritarian or permissive. The process entails developing leadership and insight among the principal and her/his teachers. The pupils should also be considered. Student leaders should have opportunities of contributing their talents and potential for the benefit of the school and their fellow pupils. Parents can also contribute towards a healthy climate at school.
• Communication
Communication is the sharing, verbally and non-verbally, of experiences, knowledge and opinions between the school, parents, community and the Ministry concerned. Communication is the life blood of an institution such as a school, as it is positive interaction between all the role players.
• Interaction
Positive interaction between the role players is essential if a school is to fulfill its role successfully. In addition, the interaction between teachers, pupils, parents and school bodies is very important.
• Decision making
Principals and teachers are seen as a team which must work together with the Ministry, the pupils and the community. The present community
I do hope that the mission of the school in a new Namibia will probably be very different from what it was in the past. What do you think the role of the school should be in terms of the present community? How would this cultural aspects influence the short and long term administration of the school? The future
Responsible adulthood is the goal of education. The adult world requires people who are disciplined, and so the child needs to learn about discipline. What is of even greater concern in the future ideal of the school is the reality that many of the products of the school will not be able to become an adult if adulthood involves being productively employed, simply because there are not enough jobs to accommodate all school leavers.
