AROAB - //Kharas regional governor Aletha Frederick has expressed her utmost concern about the fact that less than 10 learners applied to write the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level examinations for the current academic calendar year at the Oosterheim Combined School in this south-eastern village.

“How will you be able to pursue international tertiary learning opportunities, which require certification on AS level, if you are reluctant to expose your capabilities to their fullest by writing these exams, and then afterwards blame government for your future failures?” she probed the learners present during the handing-over of two classrooms, a storeroom and ablution facilities by the Anglo American Foundation to the value of N$1.7 million.

“Inasmuch as you are expecting from parents to provide you with essentials like food, clothing and airtime, you should reciprocally express your gratitude by virtue of obtaining excellent results during examinations,” she demanded from them.  

The governor also strongly advised the learners to abstain from substance abuse, unwanted pregnancies and visiting nightclubs and shebeens. 

“In saying you are the future of our country, how can this be realised if you cannot produce engineers, scientists and other related specialised occupations, waiting to be filled by Namibians?” she continued.

Turning her attention to teachers, she called on them not to carry out their profession if unprepared.   “The tendency of you coming to class with no lesson plans and hanging on social media the whole day should stop immediately,” she charged. 

Frederick also urged members of the whole educational segment to stop bringing their challenges to class – in the process negatively influencing the deliverance of quality education. 

“You are the mentors and role models; these learners are looking up to you. So, please shape them in the desired direction,” the governor pleaded with the teachers and school principal.

Addressing parents, Frederick reminded them of the importance of the triangular model of quality education. 

“Teachers, learners and parents should always actively work together as stakeholders to bring along top results from our schools,” she noted, adding that parents should likewise get more actively involved in the education of their children. 

“Instead of attending school meetings and constantly liaising with your children’s teachers on their academic progress, you most of the time blame them if your children do not progress to the desired levels, failing to progress to higher grades,” she emphasised. 

Frederick then urged school board members to execute their powers when making informative decisions about the educational affairs of the schools they represent. 

“Please, let your voices be heard, and come to amicable solutions with the management of schools, as this will lead to the best interests of our learners,” she observed. 

- sklukowski@nepc.com.na