“Through a teacher, the son of a farmworker becomes a president of a country, and the daughter of a domestic worker a medical doctor. As a former teacher, I am aware of the vital role of teachers in building communities.”
These were the words from President Hage Geingob yesterday, as Namibia joined the rest worldwide to celebrate World Teacher’s Day. This day is observed on 5 October each year.
This year, the theme of the event was: “The Transformation of Education Begins With Teachers.”
Anna Nghipondoka, minister of education, arts, and culture, stated that teachers are at center of basic education delivery for students across the country, and play an integral role in transforming education.
“That is why we say, being a teacher is a calling. Therefore, I wish to declare today, that our new social contract should be grounded in human rights and based on principles of non-discrimination, social justice, respect for life, human dignity, cultural diversity and an ethic of care,” Nghipondoka said.
She stated that teachers are the engine of the education system and without them it is impossible for every student to receive an inclusive and equitable education.
“I wish to make a clarion call to all the teachers to be ready to transform learners meaningfully through education by equipping them with foundational skills, stimulating their curiosity and building their ability to learn,” she said.
Nghipondoka stated teachers must encourage students to learn throughout their lives by instilling a sense o belonging and responsibility for others.
“I implore all teachers and education personnel to mutually support each other in order to innovate and transform teaching and the teaching profession from within,” she said.
She stated that all countries want a professionalized, trained, motivated, and continuously supported education workforce.
Sanet Steenkamp, education executive director, said that the day reminds people teachers are primary agents of change.
“Teachers mould our learners and they work with our learners and we do recognise them as a ministry. They work as facilitators of the process of knowledge and skills acquisition,” Steenkamp said.
She said that teachers must take care of their health because they are key players in social and educational transformation.
“We also know that the wellness of our teachers is of paramount importance, and we call upon our teachers not just to be healthy, but happy too, and continue to produce the best that they can with our learners.”
Steenkamp stated that the ministry would like to express its deep appreciation to teachers. Isack Hamatwi, Ohangwena education director, said that teachers appreciate the day.
“It’s a recognition of the teaching profession. Teachers have an opportunity to come together and participate in different activities just to relieve themselves from the stress of being in class all the time,” Hamatwi said.
Mary Garoës, a primary teacher at Life Changing Christian Church Academy, a private school in Windhoek, said she has been a teacher for five years and described the profession as a wonderful thing.
“Teaching is a great thing, but at times it can be stressful. It can be especially stressful when you see a child who has great potential, but only uses 10% of it. Finding the 90% can be a battle,” Garoës said.
Despite the challenges, Garoës said she enjoys her work.
“Seeing a learner that I taught successfully brings me joy. As a teacher, you bring out the best in a child, not only educationally, but in all aspects of their lives,” she said.
Martin Shikongo, a teacher from Okongo, in the Ohangwena area, said that he has been teaching for a while and enjoys it.
“I have realised that we are the pillars and the foundation of this country. We teach children to become something in the country,” Shikongo said.
He said that although they don’t have access to teaching materials such as the internet, it doesn’t stop them from providing a service to students.
“We must be hard workers and committed to our work to educate the Namibian child.”
Source: namibian
