By Petronella Sibeene
WINDHOEK
Learners at Moses van der Byl Primary School in Katutura on Monday received a rare visitor.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf during her three-day state visit to Namibia took some time out of her schedule to visit learners at this school.
Accompanied by the Minister of Education Nangolo Mbumba and the Minister of Environment and Tourism, the Liberian President was welcomed by learners who paraded and sang welcoming songs before she signed the school’s visitor’s book.
She told the learners that she was impressed with their willingness to learn, and being able to share with their parents after school the lessons of the day. The President, who is a Harvard graduate, encouraged the learners to study hard as they prepare themselves for a brighter future.
“Study and ensure that you become an A student and one day, one of you will become the President of this country,” she said. She encouraged the students to be respectful and positive towards learning. She also commended teachers for their dedication in imparting knowledge to children.
“I just wanted to say hello and to let you know that as leaders of Africa we care about the children of Africa who will some day become the great leaders,” she said.
President Johnson-Sirleaf during the Joint Session of Parliament on Tuesday afternoon described her visit to the school as the highlight of her visit.
Principal of the School Clara Basson expressed her school’s appreciation towards the President for choosing of all schools, Moses van der Byl Primary School and to share with the learners a few words. Moses van der Byl Primary School was established in 1987 and today has 1 487 learners and 44 teachers. The school provides for the previously disadvantaged in that area, Basson said.