ONGWEDIVA – Dina Uvatera (26) from the Ovahimba community, who graduated last week through Namcol with a diploma in education, said her mother used to sell goats and cows to pay for her studies.

She revealed that her mother, who is currently battling tuberculosis (TB), was unable to attend the graduation ceremony held in Ongwediva. However, her mother’s dedication was ever-present.

“She sold three goats and gave me N$1 000 to buy my graduation outfit and pay for transport,” she added.

The graduate was accompanied by her friend to the ceremony.

“I wanted to cry because my mother couldn’t make it to my graduation. It’s not fair. She deserved to witness what I have achieved because it’s her sacrifices that made it possible,” she said.

Uvatera’s journey has not been easy. After her father passed away in 2006 in their village of Etoto in the Kunene region, her mother became the sole provider for Uvatera and her siblings.

She completed Grade 12 in 2018, but was forced to take a gap year due to financial challenges.

In 2020, determined to continue her education, she moved to Windhoek, and registered as a first-year student.

“I stayed with my aunt in Havana, but life was tough,” she recalled.

“Sometimes, I had to do domestic work just to afford cosmetics and taxi fare. Often, I walked from Havana to the Namcol campus in Soweto.”

As time went on, her situation worsened, as life in Windhoek was expensive.

She eventually decided to return to her village because she could no longer afford to live in the capital.

“I went to look for a job at Hippo Pool Campsite, opposite the Kunene River near the Ruacana Waterfalls,” she said.

Hippo Pool Campsite is a centre managed by the Ovahimba people, where tourists visit for leisure, especially during holidays.

They pay the Ovahimba community to use the facilities.

Uvatera said she is still working at the campsite as a receptionist while searching for a teaching job.

“My salary is N$600. I appreciate the opportunity because it helps me continue studying, especially since there is electricity,” she said.

She stated that she sleeps at the campsite premises with her colleagues.

The graduate also volunteered as a teacher at a school in her village.

She specialised in junior primary education.

“This year, I will apply to study for an honours degree next year,” she said.

Uvatera expressed her appreciation for government efforts to make tertiary education free from next year, a move she believes will help many young Namibians pursue their dreams.

She has two sisters who are also attending school. The youngest is in Grade 8 at
Oshigambo High School, with her school fees being paid by a local businessman.

The other sister is enrolled at Atlantic Training Institution in Oshakati, and her studies are still being paid for by their mother.

“Our mother understands the importance of education, and that’s what keeps motivating her to support us,” said Uvatera.

She encouraged parents who own livestock to sell some of their animals to invest in their children’s education.

“I am ready to start a teaching job at any school where Otjiherero is the medium of instruction. I want to support my mother and siblings,” she said.

She also urged students and learners not to give up on their dreams, because one day they will be proud of their perseverance.

–fhamalwa@nepc.com.na