Lahja Nashuuta  

Since time immemorial, teachers have been central to every person’s development as they moulded and shaped individuals at different stages of their lives.

Educators spend the greatest amount of time with other people’s children, implanting knowledge and grooming them for the future.

One such teacher is Kaine Leeon Mubonenwa, a committed and eloquent linguist.

He is a qualified school teacher currently stationed at Mafuta Combined School on the outskirts of Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi region. He has been a teacher since 2011, and specialises in teaching English and Silozi, from grades eight to12.

Like any teacher, Mubonenwa’s day-to-day responsibilities include teaching, facilitating learning by assessing progress and evaluating practices, guiding, motivating, inspiring and caring for the pupils. 

 Besides that, he also wears the hat of the Head of Department (HoD), managing and monitoring the activities of teachers in his department.

Public service

Mubonenwa joined the public service in 2011 fresh from college, and started teaching in the Oshana region.

Joining the public service was not his dream, but it offered job security and access to scholarships.

“Working in the public service one can own a home and afford basics as a government employee. There are many benefits someone working for the government enjoys. As a government employee, you have access to medical aid schemes, you can buy a house or a car, and you can also apply for and get loans when in need of cash,” he said.

Challenges 

There is no job without challenges and Mubonenwa teachers are required to do a lot of planning, writing and monitoring. 

“The different behaviour of children has become a challenge to the extent that you cannot even administer simple punishment to learners,” he said.

However, he was quick to highlight that despite the trials, the rewarding aspect of the teaching profession far outweighs the challenges.

“What is satisfying is seeing my pupils excelling in life. Most of the learners I taught are now English teachers as well. 

Starting from my stint in the north until now, there are many teachers I inspired to become English teachers, and now they are doing well,” he said.

Asked about some of his work-related accomplishments, Mubonenwa revealed he was awarded a trophy as one of the top English teachers in the region in 2011. In total, he has I6 certificates and medals for being the best performing teacher with an average of above 80% pass mark.

Asked on the public’s perception that civil servants have a bad approach towards effective service delivery, he rubbished the claim. 

“I do not agree with that. If I am unproductive, I could not have opened opportunities for others to become teachers as well,” he said.

On his future with civil service, he said, “I am currently studying, adding on my qualifications, so if new opportunities open up, I will certainly grab such. 

For now, I can’t really tell whether I will move on or continue with teaching.” 

 -lnashuuta@gmail.com