This study aimed to investigate the obstacles hindering the effective implementation of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture’s workplace policy on HIV/Aids in the Ompundja circuit of the Oshana region in Namibia. The qualitative research used semi-structured interviews, engaging ten randomly chosen teachers and five school management members.

Ethical considerations were paramount, ensuring that no participant faced victimisation or infringement throughout the interview process. Data (narratives, words and statements) was systematically collected. The findings highlighted several barriers, including limited financial resources, lack of political commitment, entrenched cultural and societal norms, gender biases and inadequate planning that all impede the policy’s execution.

The study suggests collaborative efforts between local communities and the Namibian government to secure funding for workshops, training, awareness initiatives and material production to facilitate effective policy implementation. It advocates for educators’ active involvement in policy formulation stages to leverage their expertise. The study also recommends instituting safeguards to prevent exploitation of educational policies for political gain.