The Nyae Nyae Village Schools 1994–2010: An Indigenous Mother-Tongue Education Project After 15 Years

Abstract

This article provides an overview of a mother-tongue education project for the Ju|'hoansi of Nyae Nyae in Namibia—the village schools. These schools are the only places in southern Africa where an Indigenous San community has access to mother-tongue education for 3 years; and are, thus, an important example in the region. However, there are some daunting challenges that still hinder the transition of Ju|'hoan children to the mainstream government schools in Grade 4. Working conditions for the teachers and principal are also extremely difficult and often overlooked by outsiders who are involved. Written by the Ju|'hoan principal of the village schools and a researcher who has been involved in the area for over 10 years, this article describes the original goals of the village schools when they were initiated, and highlights key points in their process over the past 15 years, including successes and ongoing challenges.

Notes

¹The Ju|'hoansi are one community of San living today in both Namibia and Botswana. The vertical line | represents a click sound, made with the tongue against the back of the upper teeth (similar to “tsk”). There are four clicks in the Ju|'hoansi language; the other three are represented with the symbols !, ≠, and ||.

²This student was not attending the school as of July 2010, however.