Star Teacher, Windhoek Technical High School

1. Why did you decide to become a teacher?

When I was in high school, I never thought I would become a teacher; I never even pictured myself as one. When I enrolled in the university in the education faculty, I thought I would change courses when I got a chance to, but when I did my first teaching practice, I realised how much I love children, how much of a difference I can make in a child’s life through teaching! I enjoyed teaching, engaging with learners and being a part of their life. My principal from high school Kolin Foundation S.S (where I did my first teaching practice) would always say “teaching is not a career, is a calling” I truly believe this is a calling for me!

2. What were your aspirations at a younger age?

The younger me always aspired to be educated and successful. I aspired to be in a different and better environment than what I grew up in. I always aspired to make a difference, especially in my sibling's life.

3. What motivates you to get up every morning to go to work?

The mere fact that I have a job is a motivation for me to wake up every day and go to work, I’m so grateful for my job and I love my job. My learners have so much impact on me and seeing their beautiful happy faces every morning I go to work make me want to face each day with joy and full of confidence.

4. What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from your learners?

Patience. As they say, patience is a virtue. I think this is one good quality that every teacher should possess.

Being a teacher taught me so much on how to be patient with every one of my learners. When we are dealing with different topics and engaging in different levels of teaching, I have learned to be very patient and understanding that all learners are different and they catch up at different paces, it’s also important to never give up on any learner!

5. Tell us about your challenges and how you overcome them every day?

One of the greatest challenges is understanding the different learning abilities and capabilities of the learners. Every teacher wants what’s best for their learners but to get the best out of them, one needs to understand them and know their abilities and what they are capable of. I spend much time with my learners so I can know them better and also push them into bringing out the best in them. I usually have afternoon classes with my learners and this helps me assist my learners in fields they are struggling with.

Another challenge: having effective communication with parents.

I believe that a parent’s involvement in the school and their children’s academic life is crucial. If both the teacher and the parents strive to bring out the best in the child, the child will prosper in school work. At times it’s quite hard to establish and maintain the communication with parents but I try my best!

Demotivated learners

It’s quite hard dealing with learners who are not motivated and only come to school because it’s a norm. I believe it’s my job to make these learners understand the importance of school and the importance of acquiring basic knowledge in all aspects of life. I talk and preach whenever I get a chance, at times I would also talk to my learner’s individuals and make them understand how important it is to be focused in school.

6. What are you passionate about?

Reading

I love reading, I have always been a reader. I started reading at a very young age, I can’t even recall how many books I read so far. In high school, my friends and I would borrow books from the library every week and read all of them. I remember when my mom would always find me with a novel and she would say that I would go crazy from reading one day.

7. What is your favourite book, a song, a favourite place to visit in Namibia?

Favourite book: ‘No Longer at Ease’ by Chinua Achebe

I find the book very fascinating. Although it was written in the 1960s, the content is still applicable and relevant in the current times.

Favourite song: ‘No Longer Slaves to Fear’ by Jonathan David & Melissa Helser

The song made me overcome everything and anything I faced with in life.

Favourite place to visit in Namibia:

Divundu

I visited Divundu last year and it was quite fascinating; the river, the food and people around the places I visited (Popa Falls, Mahangu Safari Lodge & Divundu guest house) were all lovely. The cruise through the Okavango River was the most breath-taking experience.