BackgroundNamibia has had a problem with the high rate of learner pregnancy and school dropout for many years, despite implementing education sector policy on preventing and managing learner pregnancy. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of school-going learners in Namibia regarding the factors contributing to learner pregnancy and school dropout and propose interventions to address them.MethodsThis qualitative research employed interpretative phenomenological data analysis, with seventeen individual and ten focus group interviews involving 63 school-going learners: adolescents, pregnant learners, and learner parents.Results and findingsEmerging factors driving learner pregnancy and school dropout in rural Namibian schools include older men and cattle herders preying on young girls, long school holidays, the proximity of alcohol sites near school premises, and age restrictions after maternity leave. The learners proposed interventions include prohibiting learners' access to alcohol establishments, strengthening collaborations between stakeholders, sensitizing girls and cattle herders, and ongoing advocacy efforts. Findings indicate community hostility, lack of infrastructure and resources, and learner unawareness. It is essential to mitigate community hostility and raise awareness. Incorporating the perspectives of learners in policy interventions remains crucial for effectively addressing the high rates of learner pregnancy and school dropout in rural Namibian schools.

Despite efforts to address the economic challenges and provide a social safety net for orphans and vulnerable children, Namibia is still faced with social and economic challenges. The aim of this study is to explore the developmental context that underpins the social and economic challenges of the Namibian children of the liberation struggle at the Berg Aukas camp in Grootfontein in the Otjozondjupa Region. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews with the Namibian Children of the Liberation Struggle and analysed by means of a case-and content-oriented analysis. The results of the study show that Children of the Liberation Struggle are faced with social and economic hardships. The social hardships include dropping out of school, teenage pregnancies and traumatic events such as illness, stigma and discrimination, isolation and loneliness, poor family structures, and lack of adult support and guidance. The economic hardships relate to lack of financial assistance to further their studies and follow aspired careers. The socioeconomic challenges refer to lack of social support, lack of counseling, lack of personal income to sustain career development and unfamiliarity with Namibian government policies. The study recommended psychosocial counselling and reorientation of supportive policies that would provide social safety nets for these children.