By Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro
WINDHOEK
Discipline, commitment and fewer cases of absenteeism are some of the benefits of parental involvement in the education of their children, says Deputy Director of Education for Otjiwarongo, Simon Tsuseb.
Tsuseb was one of many stakeholders who on Friday participated in the first-ever motivational talk at the Waterberg Junior Secondary School (WJSS), five kilometres east of Okakakara. The occasion was held to motivate the school’s Grade 10 learners in view of the dismal performance of Grade 10 learners in previous examinations.
“The best results I am aware of was the school was the second last,” says new Principal Edmund Meroro, the initiator of the Sub-committee for Academic Improvement at the school.
Meroro says as a new principal of the school he cannot live with the status of his school being last best, or even second last in the region, or in the whole country as far as academic performance is concerned.
Hence his initiative to involve eminent people in the community to attempt to rectify the situation.
The talk was attended by, among others, Member of Parliament Ranongouje Tjihuiko, Okakarara Regional Councillor Vetaruhe Kandorozu, First National Bank (FNB) group Chief Executive Officer Vekuii Rukuro and Mutual and Federal Managing Director Gerson Katjimune, all who delivered motivational speeches for the learners.
Tsuseb further advised that to improve the involvement of parents in the education of their children, schools should involve them in decision-making through school boards as well as to encourage them to take responsibility in ensuring that the children reach the goals which the school and teachers set for the children.
He said the questions begging answer was why there was a struggle to get a positive response from parents. “Why are traditional and political leaders more successful in getting support and cooperation from the communities that we are all serving?” Tsuseb wanted to know.
The Sub-committee, chaired by Rahimisa Kahimise, held its first meeting on 22 May. It comprises of three teachers including the principal, and nine parents and/or community members.
Among its duties, besides motivating the learners, is to help them with study methods, give them career guidance, impart life skills, teach them good behaviour, engage them in constructive competition as well as boost their confidence.
With regard to constructive competition, three of the Sub-committee members, Rukoro, Katjimune and Tjihuiko, has each pledged N$3 000 and a trophy to be awarded to the best performers in subjects like business management, mathematics and science.