Education pact targets 1,200 Kunene learners
The Capricorn Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to Namibian education by expanding its support for Meerkat Learning’s Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) programme. Following a successful pilot in 2024 that benefited 473 learners, the Foundation’s total investment of N$798,000 now reaches 1,200 learners and 200 teachers across the Kunene Region.
The TaRL methodology is a globally recognised, learner-centred approach that groups children according to their actual learning levels rather than their age or grade. In 2026, the programme will scale to 15 schools across five circuits, including remote and nomadic communities. This expansion will also feature the first TaRL-NAMCOL Holiday Camp specifically designed for out-of-school youth.
Measurable Academic Progress
Over the past two years, the programme has demonstrated significant, measurable improvements in foundational skills. Baseline and endline assessments from participating schools highlight the effectiveness of targeted instruction:
At Jack Francis Primary School, innumeracy dropped from 75% to 21%.
At Otjimuhaka Mobile Unit and Ovituambu Primary School, which serve nomadic communities, division-level skills improved by 41%.
Several schools recorded a 20 to 50 percentage point reduction in the number of learners unable to perform basic mathematical tasks.
Marlize Horn, executive director of the Capricorn Foundation, commended Meerkat Learning for serving as a catalyst for positive change. She stated that the foundation remains dedicated to improving foundational education outcomes for every Namibian child.
Angelica Towne Amporo, country director of Meerkat Learning, expressed gratitude for the investment, noting that the programme has been endorsed by the Ministry of Education since 2020. She credited the success to an exceptional regional team, including the leadership of Regional Director Sophia Ferdrieck, dedicated teachers, and volunteers who have helped children master basic reading and math at accelerated levels.
