Lahja Nashuuta

Harry ‘Mubazennn’ Ashipala is a dedicated, resourceful and goal-driven principal with an unyielding commitment to the social, academic and developmental growth of young minds.

He is the head of Outjo Primary School and the first black person to lead the school.

Outjo Primary School, which is situated 350km northwest of Windhoek, was founded in 1921 with 12 learners. 

The school currently has 1 016 learners enrolled.

The school, which turned 103 years old this year, has 26 teachers, an administrative officer and a cleaner.

Ashipala said the school also has co-curricular programmes that enhance and complement the academic curriculum.

The extra classes are designed to allow each learner to develop his/her potential to the fullest. 

The school caters to children within the vicinity of Outjo town, the local farming community and surrounding areas. 

“Most learners are coming from poor and vulnerable families. Therefore, the school has implemented the Namibia School Feeding Programme, which ensures learners receive porridge once a day. This programme enhances access, retention and learning outcomes through timely access to diverse nutritious food at school,” he said.

As a principal, he is responsible for overseeing the operation of the school, and ensuring that education is promoted in a manner that is compliant with approved policies.

He is also involved at the school management level that deals with implementation, evaluation of teaching programmes, teaching, supervision, administration and in-service development, inspection and guidance of teachers at the school.

“I am responsible for promoting a positive school climate, as well as creating an effective learning environment,” he said.

Ashipala is responsible for leading and managing staff, resources and interaction with stakeholders and administration on behalf of the school, as well as ensuring that the school is managed satisfactorily and in compliance with applicable legislation, regulations and personnel administration measures.

Behind the scenes, a lot of work goes into planning and preparing for lessons, and providing additional support for grade 7 learners.

Educational excellence

He holds a diploma in Basic Education from the Windhoek College of Education, which is now known as the University of Namibia, Khomasdal Campus.

He also holds an advanced diploma in Education Management from North-West University, South Africa.

The seasoned educator has 26 years of experience in education, of which 11 years were spent serving as a principal, and seven as a head of department for social sciences.

Humble beginnings

Ashipala joined the public service in January 1998 as a teacher at Kalenga English Primary School, Grootfontein.

“Before joining the public service, I was a driver at the Grootfontein Handels Huis in 1994 to save money for my studies,” he said.

He was later promoted to head of department in 2007, and was transferred to Orwetoveni Primary School in 2011.

In 2014, he was promoted to serve as a principal at Queen Sofia of Spain Primary School, and was later transferred to Outjo Primary School.

Public duty

The Grootfontein-born and bred said becoming a teacher has been his dream career since he was young. 

“I wanted to improve the lives of others by providing essential services such as education. This work is meaningful, and creates a positive impact on society. Working in the public service allows me to make a difference in people’s lives, and contribute to the greater good of my beloved country Namibia and its people,” he said.

Ashipala was recognised as the second-best principal of the year in 2016 for his outstanding leadership and dedication toward the academic achievement of learners.

However, there is no profession without challenges, but he said the job of an educator is a fulfilling one, as one gets to empower, guide and shape young minds.

As a principal at Queen Sofia of Spain Primary School, he was a brainchild behind the construction of the school hostel for learners from marginalised communities.

“Together with our then Outjo Constituency Councillor Mr Job Abraham and Kunene for Christ, we started a project to build a hostel for these learners. We secured a donation of N$8 million from Connected to Namibia under the leadership of Mrs Toos Verbruggen to build a brand-new government-subsidised hostel and to secure three meals per day for the marginalised learners. The hostel was completed by Nexus, and handed over in 2021. Our executive director Mrs Sanet Steenkamp, via the Kunene Regional Education Office, under the leadership of our retired director Mrs Angeline Jantze, funded N$1.5 million for the hostel project, kitchen and dining hall furniture,” he said.

Misconceptions

On public service misconceptions, Ashipala said not all is true. 

“No, I don’t agree. Not all public servants are unproductive and inefficient. Yes, we have some public servants who are employed, but don’t comply with the Public Service Act and its Regulations. Therefore, as managers, it is our responsibility to educate and guide our fellow public servants regarding the interpretation and consequences of the applicable legislation and regulations,” he said.

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