UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Jolly Phonics and Jolly Grammar: Impact evaluation in Namibia, 2025 report
No full textThe study aimed to evaluate the impact of the programme by comparing reading outcomes between two groups of schools: those in the Oshana region, where Grade 2 and 3 teachers
had been trained in Jolly Grammar 1 and 2, and comparison schools in the Oshikoto region where teachers had had no prior exposure to Jolly Grammar 1 or 2This report presents the findings of an independent impact evaluation of the Jolly Phonics and Grammar programmes in Namibia, commissioned to assess the programme’s effectiveness in improving foundational English reading skills among early-grade learners. The evaluation focused on Grade 3 learners from the 2024 academic year, sampled from 100 schools equally divided between the Oshana region (which had been trained on Jolly Grammar 2 for Grade 3s) and the Oshikoto region (which had not received Jolly Grammar 2 training at the time of the survey). The study employed a Propensity Score Matching (PSM) approach to estimate average treatment effects on Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) performance. Four primary models were employed, varying in their matching specifications to test the robustness of results. The evaluation also calls for improved monitoring and the incorporation of longitudinal study designs, including baseline assessments, to better track learner progress over time and attribute improvements to the Jolly programmesThe successful execution of this project would not have been possible without the generous support, guidance, and contributions of many individuals and organizations. We are immensely grateful to the Gates Foundation for their generous funding and continued support of this work. We would like to thank Izzy Boggild-Jones from the Gates Foundation for her valuable guidance and engagement throughout the study and guiding us to gain permission to access the data and have it published on the UNAM website. We thank the Roger Federer Foundation for their support in availing the tablets for the fieldwork. We acknowledge the Genesis Analytics team for their rigorous planning, data analysis and thoughtful inputs under the leadership of Elzeth Zastrau. Our sincere appreciation goes to Professor Brahm Fleisch for his expert guidance and insights.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Minister, Hon. Dr. Sanet Steenkamp, and the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MoEAC), now the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts & Culture, for their leadership and support throughout the study. We are deeply grateful to Ms. Ronel Bosch, Ms. Wenthworth, Mr. Eiman, and the EMIS team for their invaluable assistance and collaboration. We would like to acknowledge the support of Senior Education Officers, Dr. Paulina Hamukonda, Mr. Heinrich Mathews, Mr. Naftal Gabriel and Ms. Laimi Haikali - for their coordination and contributions throughout the study. We are also immensely grateful to the fieldwork teams, principals, HOD's, teachers and learners in Oshana and Oshikoto region for their participation, engagement, and warm welcome, without which this study would not have been possible.
We acknowledge the University of Namibia, the logistical and administrative coordinators, Dr. Pamela February and Dr. Beausetha Bruwer and the fieldwork team leaders, Ms Jacolynn Van Wyk, Ms Serena Hoeses, Ms Helga Kaurora, Ms Ivy Heyman Van Wyk, Mr Andre Kandundu and Mr Gustav Gusta
Exploring the hurdles of implementing National School Health Policy in Namibian Schools: Insights from stakeholders
No full textThe National School Health
Policy was introduced in Namibia in 2008, marking a
significant step in this direction [3]. The school health
policy was developed to enhance the health and wellbeing of learners, educators, and other school personnel.
The introduction of the policy was commendable, but its
effective implementation requires a deep understanding
of ground realities, challenges, and diverse stakeholder
needs. The study examines stakeholders’ policy implementation challenges to understand these nuancesThis qualitative research study explores stakeholders’ perspectives on the challenges of implementing Namibia's National School Health Policy (NSHP) in schools. The interview guide used for this study was specifically developed to address the research objectives and themes. A total of 20 stakeholders participated, including educators, nurses, principals, and health program administrators from three regions in Namibia. The study identifies significant barriers to effectively implementing the school health policy. These barriers include staffing shortages, inadequate resources, limited learner awareness of health rights, and insufficient teacher well-being. Additional challenges involve resource constraints, a lack of monitoring and evaluation, and limited coordination between the education and health sectors. The thematic analysis reveals recurring patterns and emphasizes the need for increased resource allocation, comprehensive training, collaborative policy development, and initiatives to improve teacher well-being. These findings provide valuable insights for refining future implementation strategies for school health programs in Namibia, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, stakeholder involvement, and adequate funding to support the goals of the NSH
An analysis of the factors that influence Namibian individual taxpayers to participate in tax amnesty programs
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Accounting and FinanceThis quantitative study analysed the factors influencing Namibian individual
taxpayers’ decisions to participate in Namibia's tax amnesty programs. The study
aimed to address the persistent challenge of low tax compliance in Namibia,
particularly in the context of non-compliance among individual taxpayers. Using
primary data from a sample of 375 respondents, the research investigated the effects
of demographic variables (age, income level, occupation, and gender), tax knowledge,
understanding, perceived fairness, transparency, awareness, and perceived tax benefits
on participation in the tax amnesty program. In this study, Structural Equation
Modelling technique namely "Partial Least Squares" referred as SEM-PLS was
selected to test the presented hypotheses and relationships between these variables.
Namibian taxpayers’ participation in tax amnesties is influenced by income levels, tax
knowledge and fairness, while their age and gender are not associated with this
decision. Peculiar to Namibian individual taxpayers, age and gender are not important
factors in influencing compliance or tax amnesty participation. The results highlighted
the importance of occupation particularly for self-employed taxpayers and showed that
perceived transparency held greater relevance in Namibia than in similar studies
conducted elsewhere. These results illustrate the special compliance problems of self employed taxpayers in emerging economies. The findings expand the tax compliance
literature and considerations for improving the success of amnesty program
Assessment of fire and explosion hazards in large-scale battery energy storage systems intended for Namibian green hydrogen projects
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Renewable EnergyThe integration of large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) is a pivotal
component in advancing Namibian green hydrogen projects, aimed to promote sustainable
energy solutions. But there are serious fire and explosion risks associated with the use of
Battery Energy Storage Systems, particularly those that use lithium-ion technology. These
risks are intensified by the chemical instability of lithium-ion cells and operational
challenges associated with large-scale systems. This research investigates the specific
risks and failure modes associated with BESS, aiming to provide safety solutions and
guidelines for their broader application in renewable energy projects. The study begins
with a comprehensive literature review, identifying the primary causes of fires/explosions
in lithium-ion batteries, leading to thermal runaway, like electrical faults, and mechanical
damage. It also examines various battery chemistries and their respective safety profiles,
alongside an analysis of global case studies to draw lessons for Namibia. Fault Tree
Analysis (FTA) and statistical tests were employed to pinpoint critical failure
mechanisms, with emphasis on factors such as system design, battery age, and operational
states during failure events. The study creates a thorough risk assessment model that
emphasizes the risks that come with large-scale battery energy storage (BESS). This
model evaluates critical factors such as thermal runaway, mechanical stress, and system
design. Additionally, study explores potential mitigation strategies, including advanced
battery management systems, robust fire suppression mechanisms, and the use of
alternative battery technologies to improve overall system safety. By addressing the
inadequate safety guidelines, deficiencies in Battery Management Systems (BMS), and
failure mode analysis in various operational states, this study provides critical insights and
recommendations for enhancing the safety protocols and the regulatory framework for
BESS in Namibia’s Green Hydrogen projects. The findings aim to contribute to the safe
and efficient deployment of BESS, thereby supporting Namibia’s transition to a
sustainable energy futur
Analysing the effect of financial technology on financial behaviour in Namibia: A gender perspective
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Development FinanceDespite advancements in Financial Technology (fintech), there is a notable reluctance
among individuals, including those in Namibia, to adopt internet banking services. The
main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of fintech on financial behaviour
in Namibia, specifically the study aims to (1) examine gender disparities in the adoption
of mobile money services (fintech) in Namibia overall and by gender and (2) evaluate the
effect of fintech adoption on saving and borrowing behaviours overall and by gender. To
achieve these objectives, the study employs the 2021 Global Findex Data for Namibia, the
probit model to analyse the determinants of fintech adoption and a control function
approach to assess the effect of fintech adoption on saving and borrowing behaviours. The
findings indicate no significant gender disparities in fintech adoption in Namibia.
Furthermore, results reveal that fintech adoption has a significant positive effect on both
borrowing and saving behaviours. Findings equally indicate that effect of fintech is
stronger on saving compared to borrowing. These results highlight fintech's potential to
enhance financial inclusion and improve financial behaviour in Namibia. Policymakers
may consider initiatives to promote fintech adoption and utilisation, particularly among
underserved population
Addressing the burden of leptospirosis in Africa
No full textIn this review, we give a synopsis of lepto spirosis in Africa and suggest a One Health approach of
bringing the disease under control. This concept encom passes interventions at human, animal and environmen tal levels. Additional information for safety of travellers
coming to Africa from non-endemic temperate climates is presented at the end.Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of global distribution. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designated leptospirosis a nationally notifiable disease. There is need to raise awareness of the burden of leptospirosis among health care givers and policy makers in Africa. The aim of this review was to highlight the current situation of leptospirosis in Africa and suggest a One Health approach of addressing its status as a leading zoonosis. In tropical regions, the nonspecific symptoms of fever, myalgia and arthralgia result in misdiagnosis of leptospirosis with malaria, yellow fever, typhoid fever, dengue fever, brucellosis, rickettsiosis, and babesiosis. Urinalysis presents an inexpensive diagnostic aid for leptospirosis. Humans with leptospirosis exhibit proteinuria, glucosuria, pyuria, haematuria and granular casts resulting from acute kidney injury. Therapeutic guidelines for empirical treatment of febrile patients should be considered. Febrile patients who test negative for malaria and yellow fever can benefit from doxycycline, which also treats brucellosis, rickettsiosis and typhoid fever. Control of leptospirosis should also address Leptospira infection in domestic animal reservoirs through vaccination of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and dogs in endemic areas. Treatment of sick animals with streptomycin eliminates the carrier status, curbing leptospiruria and spread of infection. Rodents are important in transmission of Leptospira to humans in urban slums and rural settings therefore rodent control strategies help in reducing transmission of leptospirosis. Indirect transmission of Leptospira occurs through contact with water, vegetation, or soil contaminated with infected urine. Drinking water should be drawn from protected sources or chlorinated before household us
Gluten free crackers from germinated and fermented cowpea pulses flours: Their thermal, physicochemical and consumer sensory evaluation
No full textThis study investigated the effects of using fermented and germinated whole grain cowpea flours to bake shelf-stable, low moisture, low sugar, crackers on the consumers sensory acceptability, nutrients’ contents, physical and thermal properties of these crackersCowpea fermentation and germination improve nutrients and reduce antinutrients of resulting flours but flours of fermented or germinated cowpea pulses are not what consumers eat. Therefore, this study investigated the nutritional and consumer sensory evaluation of crackers made using fermented or germinated Bira and Nakare cowpea grain flours. Compared to common wheat crackers, cowpea crackers had a higher protein content that ranged between 21.84 and 25.14 g/100 g. The iron contents of cowpea crackers were 78 % more than those reported in common wheat crackers. The crackers’ enthalpies ranged between 2.70 and 7.83 J/kg. A strong 7–9 ratings on a 9-point hedonic scale were given by 45 % of consumers for the germinated Bira crackers. At least 84 % of consumers rated at least 4–9 all the cowpea crackers. This study demonstrated the development of high protein, shelf-stable, fermented and germinated cowpea crackers, thereby diversifying the forms of consumption of the under-utilised cowpea pulse
Self-esteem, self-image and media advertisement as preditors of skin bleaching behaviour among undergraduate
No full textThe study investigated self-esteem, self-image, and media advertisement as
predictors of skin bleaching behavior among female undergraduates in Nigeria. Specifically, the objective of the study is to:
i. Determine the level of knowledge of health effects of skin bleaching among respondents
ii. Determine the relative contribution of self-esteem, self-image, and media advertisement to skin bleaching behavior
among respondentsThis study examined media advertisement, self-image, and self-esteem as predictors of skin bleaching
behavior among Nigerian undergraduate students, grounded in Social Learning Theory. A crosssectional survey of 350 undergraduates (56.3% female) from five on-campus hostels used the
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, an adapted Body Self-Image Questionnaire, and media influence
assessments. Multiple regression analysis examined predictive relationships. The findings reveal
media advertisements were the strongest predictor of skin bleaching behavior (β = 0.802, p < 0.001),
followed by self-image (β = 0.503, p = 0.001) and self-esteem (β = 0.107, p = 0.002). The model
explained 62.4% of variance. Currently, 25.4% of participants used skin bleaching products, 77.1%
had family history of the practice, and only 8.1% demonstrated adequate knowledge of health risks.
The findings highlight media influence as the primary behavioral driver, supporting Social Learning
Theory's emphasis on environmental factors and observational learning. Interventions must address
media messaging, regulatory frameworks, and health literacy rather than relying solely on individual
psychological intervention
Factors hindering the uptake of vitamin a supplementation among under-five children, Oshakati district, Oshana region
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Public HealthVitamin A supplementation is a crucial public health intervention aimed at reducing child
mortality and morbidity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where vitamin
A deficiency is prevalent. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing the uptake of
Vitamin A supplementation among children under five years old in the Oshakati district,
Namibia. The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional study design. A total of 198
parents were surveyed at five health centres using structured questionnaires to gather
information on factors such as income, education, transport, and healthcare access. The
study found that 46.5% of participants strongly agreed that Vitamin A supplementation
should start at six months, and 53% agreed that parents should know their child’s follow up schedule. Key barriers included transportation costs (78.3%) and long wait times
(69.2%), while 65.7% reported Vitamin A shortages. Knowledge was high, with 166
(83.8%) strongly agreeing on the importance of Vitamin A for eye health and 76.8%
recognising its role in preventing deficiency, though gaps remained, such as awareness of
xerophthalmia (33.8%). Chi-square tests were conducted to determine associations
between socio-demographic factors and supplementation uptake, with results showing no
statistically significant associations between variables like education, income, and
occupation with Vitamin A adherence. The study concluded that enhancing health
education, improving healthcare access, and addressing transportation barriers are vital to
increasing Vitamin A supplementation adherence. The study recommends interventions
to address transportation barriers and improve healthcare service efficiency, particularly
in rural and remote areas, to enhance access to Vitamin A supplementation. Additionally,
strengthening community engagement through health education to improve parental
awarenes
Assessment of awareness, attitudes, and practices of environmental health practitioners regarding ambient air pollution and its associated health effects in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Public HealthAir pollution remains a significant global health threat, disproportionately affecting
vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, across all continents.
HPs are often responsible for monitoring air quality and implementing guidelines to
safeguard public health. This study assessed the environmental health practitioners'
awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding ambient air pollution and its associated
health effects in Namibia. Using a quantitative cross-sectional analytical design, data
were collected from 66 out of 76 environmental health practitioners across all 14 Regions
of Namibia, yielding an 86.8% response rate. A validated online questionnaire was used.
Data were analysed using SPSS version 27. The results showed that about 6.7% of
participants were aware of AAP and its associated health effects. Regarding attitudes,
59% of the respondents had a negative attitude towards AAP. 9 % always participated in
preventative activities regarding AAP, while 66.7% indicated that they never got involved
in awareness campaigns. There was a strong negative correlation (-0.71) between the
awareness and attitudes towards AAP, and a weak negative correlation (-0.20) between
the awareness and practices indicating that higher awareness of AAP does not lead to
greater engagement. A weak positive correlation (0.30) between attitudes and practices
implies that positive attitudes may encourage greater involvement with AAP prevention
strategies. Demographic factors such as age, gender, education, and experience did not
significantly influence EHPs’ attitudes toward ambient air pollution (AAP), highlighting
the greater impact of systemic barriers like limited resources and unclear policies.
Majority of EHPs did not prioritise AAP prevention strategies due to insufficient training
and infrastructure. The study recommends continuous professional development and
clear guidelines to better equip EHPs in addressing air pollution effectivel