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Authors: Fritz Dittmar, John Mendelsohn, Viv Ward Published for the "Basic Education Project" of the Ministry of Basic Education, Sport and Culture and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit Compiled and published by: Research and Information Services of Namibia PO Box 80044, Windhoek, Namibia Design by: Selma el Obeid © Text and artwork: Research and Information Services of Namibia (RAISON) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) © Photographs: Fritz Dittmar and Viv Ward First published 2002 ISBN: 99916-780-1-8 Funds for the publication of the book were made available through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ).

The book is divided into five sections. The first begins with a review of factors that create a need for clusters in Namibia. This is followed by a section describing the range of benefits that clusters can provide, while a third section outlines those ingredients that make clusters work most effectively. A review of the functioning of clusters in relation to education policies is then provided, while the last section explores several aspects of how clusters can develop in the future.

Perhaps the most important observation made in this book is that by interconnecting schools in clusters, the great majority of Namibian schools get more rapid access to new developments. Good ideas are quickly spread throughout the network, and stakeholders feel intellectually and professionally supported. This facilitates ongoing improvements in all areas of schooling such that the schools can keep up with the changing needs of the communities they serve. There is and always will be a need for a 'better education' and clustering facilitates and supports such sustained improvement.

Download the book here (pdf file 2MB) This file opens with Acrobat Reader. You can download the free program at www.adobe.com/acrobat

Viv Ward 17 Buitekring Dalsig 7600 Stellenbosch South Africa Tel 0027 - 21 - 8878648