Resource Allocation
My Experience
One of the most revealing times during my summer in Namibia was at the mid-service orientation with other WorldTeach volunteers. Half-way through the summer, the volunteers and directors of the program came together for a weekend to discuss teaching and life in Namibia in hopes of making the most of our remaining time in the country. During this weekend I gained extraordinary insight into Namibian education on a macro-level, something I had difficulty grasping while on site at my school, Ongha S.S.S. In some ways schools were very similar, such as the courses offered or the schedules of schools on a day to day basis. In other ways, schools differed drastically with some students walking hours to school while others lived on the school grounds, or even the presence or absence of corporal punishment in the classroom. One of the most prominent differences between schools was the unequal distribution of both material and human resources. This led to very different experiences for all of the volunteers over the course of the summer as they dealt with various “shortages.” |
Significance
Much research has been conducted related to material and human capital in schools and their effects on student achievement. In many cases, schools with more resources can provide the support and guidance necessary for students to perform well academically, as well as adjust socially in a positive manner. Inequity of resources is present not only in Namibia and many developing countries but also in the United States. With a large and diverse population, the U.S. continues to struggle with drastic differences in per-student-spending that prevents many students from achieving academic success. Equitable resource allocation may be the key for schools both in Namibia and the U.S. in achieving higher academic achievement for all students.
Much research has been conducted related to material and human capital in schools and their effects on student achievement. In many cases, schools with more resources can provide the support and guidance necessary for students to perform well academically, as well as adjust socially in a positive manner. Inequity of resources is present not only in Namibia and many developing countries but also in the United States. With a large and diverse population, the U.S. continues to struggle with drastic differences in per-student-spending that prevents many students from achieving academic success. Equitable resource allocation may be the key for schools both in Namibia and the U.S. in achieving higher academic achievement for all students.