The African Union International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA) has successfully completed a three-day field visit to Namibia as part of its #AfricaEducatesHer campaign. The visit, which took place from September 9 to September 11, 2026, in Windhoek, focused on enhancing inclusive education and improving access to quality learning opportunities for girls and young women.
Delegation Engages with Local Education Initiatives
The field visit convened stakeholders from Namibia’s education and gender sectors, including civil society organizations and development partners. The objective was to assess progress, share experiences, and explore strategies for improving educational outcomes for girls and young women, especially those belonging to vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Leading the delegation was AU CIEFFA’s Coordinator, Mrs. Simone Yankey, who was received by Hon. Dino Ballotti, the Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture. In her remarks, the Director for Programme and Quality Assurance, Ayesha Wentworth, outlined various national initiatives aimed at ensuring equitable access to education, particularly programs that encourage girls’ and women’s engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
During the visit, AU CIEFFA representatives interacted directly with learners and educators. They observed demonstrations from participants in the “Minds in Action” program, showcasing innovative STEAM education initiatives. Such interactions emphasize the importance of equipping girls with essential skills to thrive in future careers, especially in STEM fields.
The delegation also inspected several educational institutions and community initiatives. Visits included the Centre for Communication and Deaf Studies, Windhoek Technical High School, Windhoek Vocational Training Centre, the Physically Active Youth (PAY) initiative, and facilities of the One Economy Foundation, which implements the #BeFree Campaign. These excursions highlighted ongoing efforts to promote inclusive learning and vocational training, aiming to foster youth development beyond traditional classroom settings.
Additionally, the delegation visited the Ministry for Gender Equality and Child Welfare, where they met with Executive Director Ms. Lydia H. Indombo. Participants included the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Education and Training of Burundi, as well as representatives from various organizations, including UN Women and the Namibia Women in Engineering (NAMWIE).
Throughout the visit, stakeholders identified effective practices and established recommendations for enhancing the retention of girls and young women in quality, inclusive educational frameworks in Namibia. This initiative is part of the World Bank Group’s EAGER (East Africa Girls’ Empowerment and Resilience) project.
Why It Matters
This visit underscores a commitment to improving educational access for girls and young women in Africa, striking at the heart of gender equality in education. Through collaborative efforts and targeted initiatives, stakeholders aim to create an environment that supports the advancement of girls in academic and vocational pursuits, particularly in STEAM fields.
