CONCERNED DECPPE NAMCOL GRADUATES ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INFORMAL HUMAN RESOURCE CIRCULAR 3 OF 2024
1. Introduction
We, the undersigned, approximately 2,000 NAMCOL DECPPE graduates, are formally writing to express our deep concerns regarding the discriminatory nature of the unsigned Human Resource Circular 3 of 2024. This circular, which was leaked without a signature or date stamp, has negatively impacted graduates with a Diploma in Early Childhood Development and Pre-Primary Education (DECPPE) NQF Level 7. Certain regions, such as Ohangwena, have begun implementing this circular, limiting our career opportunities in the teaching profession.
2. Statement of the ProblemThe circular's paragraph 4.7 states: “Graduates who are diploma holders of any teaching qualification that refers to Early Childhood and Pre-Primary grades only can apply for vacancies advertised for Pre-Primary ONLY. This qualification is not suitable for Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3.”
This contradicts the Ministry's previous policies and directives. For example, the Ministry issued a directive in mid-2024 to withdraw Circular 3 of 2019 (dated 14 June 2024). However, this directive was suspended on 24 June 2024 and, to our knowledge, remains suspended due to a lack of further formal communication (see attached suspension letter).
The Ministry, in conjunction with NAMCOL, had previously stated that graduates of the DECPPE program are qualified to teach Grades 0-3. This was confirmed in Formal Education Circular 3 of 2019 (paragraph 3.5), which states that graduates with this qualification are suitably equipped to teach in the Junior Primary Phase. The sudden shift in policy, as reflected in the leaked HR Circular 3 of 2024, creates confusion and unfairly disadvantages DECPPE graduates.
This policy discriminates against NAMCOL graduates by limiting their eligibility to scarce pre-primary teaching positions. It disregards the fact that the same qualification previously allowed graduates to secure employment as professional teachers for Grades 0-3. Many of our peers are currently employed based on this qualification.
We urge the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and all relevant stakeholders to:
- Clarify the Implementation of HR Circular 3 of 2024: Provide transparent and formal communication regarding the circular's legitimacy and implementation, especially in regions like Ohangwena.
- Ensure Equal Employment Opportunities: Allow NAMCOL DECPPE graduates to apply for positions in Grades 0-3, as previously endorsed in Circular 3 of 2019.
- Provide Grace Periods for Qualification Upgrades: If the Ministry deems our qualifications insufficient, grant a reasonable grace period for graduates to upgrade their qualifications without limiting current employment opportunities.
- Conduct Evidence-Based Justifications: Provide evidence or surveys showing why the DECPPE qualification no longer meets the Ministry's standards, if this is the case.
We trust the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and all involved stakeholders to take immediate action to address these issues. We hope the Ministry upholds the principles of equality and non-discrimination in the education sector, ensuring that all graduates are treated fairly and afforded the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Namibia's education system.
Updates
February 10, 2025
I have been reading through all the messages coming in from the Ohangwena region and the frustration is just pouring out of every single one of them. It feels like we are caught in this weird limbo where no one will give us a straight answer about the status of that circular and honestly I barely slept thinking about how many of us are being turned away from jobs we are actually trained to do.
Reached 100 supporters
February 10, 2025
90 Comments
We need atleast 5 years to upgrade our qualifications ,the ministry of education was supposed to inform us inadvance, for now we don't have money, for further studies, and we studies with Nancol because of circular 2019,
Namcol should do something for us who studied DECPPE because its not our battle let them fight it for us or refund our money since we studied for something which is not recognized by the ministry of education
I'm deeply affected by this issue, hence I'm so invested in this. Early last year, I missed out on a teaching employment opportunity simply because of these sudden change of policies. Since 2022 when I graduated, I have been up and down with interviews.
DECPPE graduate that affected by the new circular said that we are not qualified to teach grade 1-3 w hike the content in the book are the samd with other institutions. We feel left out and our qualifications mean nothing to the ministry
If the ministry is rejecting to recruit early childhood and pre primary diploma holders , they must put ECD to the ministry of education so they will fill the vacant for pre and ECD. Each school should have a kindergarten under ministry of education.
Action speaks loud than words, let's go ahead, let's fight ,together we can make a different!
The Namcol DECPPE qualifications to be changed to Junior primary
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CONCERNED DECPPE NAMCOL GRADUATES ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INFORMAL HUMAN RESOURCE CIRCULAR 3 OF 2024
1. Introduction
We, the undersigned, approximately 2,000 NAMCOL DECPPE graduates, are formally writing to express our deep concerns regarding the discriminatory nature of the unsigned Human Resource Circular 3 of 2024. This circular, which was leaked without a signature or date stamp, has negatively impacted graduates with a Diploma in Early Childhood Development and Pre-Primary Education (DECPPE) NQF Level 7. Certain regions, such as Ohangwena, have begun implementing this circular, limiting our career opportunities in the teaching profession.
2. Statement of the ProblemThe circular's paragraph 4.7 states: “Graduates who are diploma holders of any teaching qualification that refers to Early Childhood and Pre-Primary grades only can apply for vacancies advertised for Pre-Primary ONLY. This qualification is not suitable for Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3.”
This contradicts the Ministry's previous policies and directives. For example, the Ministry issued a directive in mid-2024 to withdraw Circular 3 of 2019 (dated 14 June 2024). However, this directive was suspended on 24 June 2024 and, to our knowledge, remains suspended due to a lack of further formal communication (see attached suspension letter).
The Ministry, in conjunction with NAMCOL, had previously stated that graduates of the DECPPE program are qualified to teach Grades 0-3. This was confirmed in Formal Education Circular 3 of 2019 (paragraph 3.5), which states that graduates with this qualification are suitably equipped to teach in the Junior Primary Phase. The sudden shift in policy, as reflected in the leaked HR Circular 3 of 2024, creates confusion and unfairly disadvantages DECPPE graduates.
This policy discriminates against NAMCOL graduates by limiting their eligibility to scarce pre-primary teaching positions. It disregards the fact that the same qualification previously allowed graduates to secure employment as professional teachers for Grades 0-3. Many of our peers are currently employed based on this qualification.
We urge the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and all relevant stakeholders to:
- Clarify the Implementation of HR Circular 3 of 2024: Provide transparent and formal communication regarding the circular's legitimacy and implementation, especially in regions like Ohangwena.
- Ensure Equal Employment Opportunities: Allow NAMCOL DECPPE graduates to apply for positions in Grades 0-3, as previously endorsed in Circular 3 of 2019.
- Provide Grace Periods for Qualification Upgrades: If the Ministry deems our qualifications insufficient, grant a reasonable grace period for graduates to upgrade their qualifications without limiting current employment opportunities.
- Conduct Evidence-Based Justifications: Provide evidence or surveys showing why the DECPPE qualification no longer meets the Ministry's standards, if this is the case.
We trust the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and all involved stakeholders to take immediate action to address these issues. We hope the Ministry upholds the principles of equality and non-discrimination in the education sector, ensuring that all graduates are treated fairly and afforded the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Namibia's education system.
Updates
February 10, 2025
I have been reading through all the messages coming in from the Ohangwena region and the frustration is just pouring out of every single one of them. It feels like we are caught in this weird limbo where no one will give us a straight answer about the status of that circular and honestly I barely slept thinking about how many of us are being turned away from jobs we are actually trained to do.
Reached 100 supporters
February 10, 2025
90 Comments
I would ask for the students who did Diploma (DECPPE)to be grsnted an oppotunity to do modules for grade 1-3 within one year .Some of us age is against us.
We need atleast 5 years to upgrade our qualifications ,the ministry of education was supposed to inform us inadvance, for now we don't have money, for further studies, and we studies with Nancol because of circular 2019,
Namcol should do something for us who studied DECPPE because its not our battle let them fight it for us or refund our money since we studied for something which is not recognized by the ministry of education
I'm deeply affected by this issue, hence I'm so invested in this. Early last year, I missed out on a teaching employment opportunity simply because of these sudden change of policies. Since 2022 when I graduated, I have been up and down with interviews.
DECPPE graduate that affected by the new circular said that we are not qualified to teach grade 1-3 w hike the content in the book are the samd with other institutions. We feel left out and our qualifications mean nothing to the ministry
If the ministry is rejecting to recruit early childhood and pre primary diploma holders , they must put ECD to the ministry of education so they will fill the vacant for pre and ECD. Each school should have a kindergarten under ministry of education.
Action speaks loud than words, let's go ahead, let's fight ,together we can make a different!
The Namcol DECPPE qualifications to be changed to Junior primary
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I would ask for the students who did Diploma (DECPPE)to be grsnted an oppotunity to do modules for grade 1-3 within one year .Some of us age is against us.