An investigation of instructional leadership in a Namibian rural school

The purpose of this study was to investigate how instructional leadership manifests itself and can be strengthened in a Namibian rural school. As a teacher head of department and later an education officer I have long held the view that committed school leadership is essential for the school’s instructional and academic success. Equally I have always been aware of the impact of the past segregation and the unequal education provided by the colonial government in South Africa and South West Africa/Namibia. The inferior education provided to Africans posed a serious challenge to the leadership and management of schools as would be principals were not adequately trained to provide the necessary “ingredients” relevant for instructional success.