The Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO) has officially launched its Access to Higher and Vocational Education Campaign, aimed at working towards a more equal, inclusive, and affordable education system for all students across the country.

NANSO says it has fought many seemingly overwhelming battles over the years.

Yet, through the commitment, resilience, and collective effort of those involved with it, the organisation says it has continued to rack up successes and retained its relevance.

This includes NASFAF providing loans to Level 5 students and those who end up receiving qualifications despite owing the institutions where they studied.

“History has shown us that no victory is handled by us alone. However, victory is only handed over to those who are united. In the words of our founding president, he says that a people united towards a common goal will always emerge victorious. Equally, to the Namibian House, we say that we, the students and trainees of Namibia, have decided to unite to also fight for our education, to fight for our access to education.”

Nanso president Dorothea Nangolo emphasised that education should not be treated as a privilege but as a fundamental right.

She said that higher education should be accessible to all students throughout the country.

“Registration is high, tuition fees are high, and hostel fees are equally high. But then we ask ourselves as an organisation, how do we demand from the government, and they do not come out with a sustainable solution to fund our education? We are demanding an education levy as Nanso. A levy that is inclusive and ensures that education has consistent funding.”

Nangolo said that they will continue to fight for affordable education to be guaranteed to all Namibians.