A life devoted to science and service

With 32 years of teaching experience, Sabina Queenz Cloete stands as a pillar of inspiration, dedication and transformation in Namibian education. A science teacher at Dr Lemmer Secondary School, Cloete has dedicated her life and career to nurturing young minds and cultivating a love of science, one lesson, one experiment, and one curious learner at a time.Her calling was sparked in childhood and shaped by the inspiring teachers she encountered at schools in Aranos, Gobabis, Rietoog and Rehoboth.“They were so inspiring and motivating,” she said, “that I decided I also want to be a great teacher one day.” That dream has long since become a reality.To Cloete, science is more than a subject; it’s the “essence of life”. Sculpting curious minds "As a teacher, I believe that teaching is like planting a tiny seed in fertile soil through nurturing, guiding and shaping; that seed grows into a strong and beautiful tree, just as our students grow into mature, thoughtful adults ready to take their place in society," Cloete said. Her passion lies in helping learners connect everyday experiences to scientific phenomena, from chemical reactions to electrochemistry. Her classroom is a place of curiosity, where learners visit even during breaks to ask questions and explore the world around them.Despite resource challenges, such as limited lab equipment and overcrowded classes, Cloete has never let constraints dampen her creativity. She uses WhatsApp, YouTube and interactive whiteboards to enhance learning and bring science to life. She also encourages participation in science fairs and quizzes and promotes projects like recycling and greywater gardening.The impact of her work is far-reaching. Over the decades, she has seen her students grow into doctors, nurses, engineers, mechanics, scientists and teachers, proof that the seeds she planted have borne fruit. “That is the best reward for any teacher,” she said proudly.Unshaken and determined Yet Cloete’s career has not been without its challenges.She identified the Covid-19 pandemic as one of the most difficult periods teachers have faced.“It hampered and harmed our education system and learners very badly. We are still recovering.” She also noted growing discipline issues and a decline in academic ambition among learners.Still, her commitment remains unshaken. “Science should become the number one subject in our schools,” she said. “We have the resources; we need more Namibian scientists to benefit our nation.”Reflecting on the thousands of lives she has touched, Cloete concluded: “It is a great and warm feeling that I could teach so many learners who now contribute to our country’s growth. That makes me a worthy educator.”Indeed, it does.

A life devoted to science and service

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Republikein 2026-03-26

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A life devoted to science and service

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