Lahja Nashuuta

William Butler Yeats once said “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire”.

This quote aptly captures the reason Alexander Kambinda became an educator. 

He strongly believes that “minds in a room can generate amazing heat, and ignite a fire”.

Like many children, Kambinda at a young age was uncertain about what profession he wanted to pursue. The future seemed like a vast, uncharted territory, and he was yet to discover his true passion.

Upon completing high school, his path became clear. 

“I embarked on a journey to become an educator, driven by the desire to share knowledge, inspire and make learning an enjoyable experience for everyone through the art of storytelling. Today, as an educator, I am living the dream I discovered all those years ago in that classroom,” he said.

He is a civil servant and a committed teacher, who is passionate about education. 

He is an English teacher at Rev. Juuso Shikongo Secondary School in the Oshikoto region.

His day-to-day responsibilities include crafting engaging lesson plans, delivering instructions on the English language, and guiding students toward mastering the subject. 

“My role goes beyond academics. It’s about nurturing young minds, and preparing them for a successful future,” he maintained.

Kambinda entered public service after completing his studies at the University of Namibia. 

Before, he worked as a tutor on a part-time basis. 

When asked what drove him to the profession, he said he was attracted by the prospect of helping to nurture a child’s potential. 

In addition, it is a rewarding profession. He emphasised that teaching does not only entail the day-to-day classroom education, but teachers can influence a child’s life by teaching him/her manners, respect, curiosity, socialising skills, having an opinion and respecting others’ opinions. 

He further said it is fulfilling and rewarding for an educator to witness the moment when a learner grasps a new concept, or overcomes a learning hurdle. 

“There is immense satisfaction in knowing that I’m playing a role in shaping their futures and opening doors to new opportunities through language education,” he said.

Public service

Asked what attracted him to public service, Kambinda said “The public service offered a chance to directly impact the lives of young Namibians”.  

“My passion for languages extends beyond simply teaching grammar. I likely see it as a gateway to broader horizons for my students, fostering intercultural understanding and effective communication skills,” he said.  

There is no job without challenges, and the biggest hurdle might be catering to the diverse learning styles and needs of each learner. 

“Every student is unique, and keeping them engaged and motivated requires creativity and patience,” said the teacher.  

His skills and expertise as an English teacher are not only beneficial to his learners, but his line ministry.

“My language expertise equips students with a vital tool for success in our interconnected world.  Effective communication is key to participation in civic life, higher education and future careers. By nurturing these skills, I contribute to a more informed and empowered citizenry,” he maintained.

He was recognised as the best second-language English teacher in the Oshikoto region. 

As a public servant, he gets gratification in knowing that his work contributes to the broader goal of education and national development.

He maintained that the public service provides a platform to make a lasting impact on the lives of Namibian youth.  

Misconceptions 

On the public service misconceptions, he said he was not fazed by them. 

“Educators are dedicated professionals, who constantly strive to improve their craft and the learning environment for their students. The rewards may not be material, but the impact is undeniable,” he said.  

Future

Kambinda said he will continue to make an impact through education.

“As long as I feel I can make a positive difference in the lives of my students, I will continue to serve in the public service with dedication. Professionally, I aspire to develop new teaching methods, or perhaps pursue further education to enhance my skills. On a personal level, the desire to keep learning and growing as an educator is a constant pursuit,” he said.

-lnashuuta@gmail.com