Auleria Wakudumo

For David Mandume Alfeus, teaching is not merely a job but a lifelong mission anchored in passion, resilience and an unwavering commitment to shaping Namibia’s future. A teacher by profession, Alfeus currently teaches English and Oshikwanyama Grades 4 to 7 while also assisting with Entrepreneurship for Grades 8 and 9 at Pahangwashimwe Combined School. In addition, he teaches Information and Communication Technology (ICT), a subject he strongly believes is central to modern education. His influence extends further beyond the classroom. He serves as a language facilitator at the circuit level and contributes as a curriculum panel member for ICT at the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED).Alfeus holds a Bachelor’s degree in Upper Primary Education and is set to graduate this year with a Master’s degree in Educational Technology. Demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning.  He is also pursuing a second degree in Public Management at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

Village roots

Born and raised in Engela laShikondongolo village, north of Ongha, Alfeus calls himself “a village product”. His upbringing in Engela and nearby Eexumba shaped his character and career. Eexumba gave him formal education, while Engela was his cultural and moral base, like ‘two huts of the same house’.

“At school in Eexumba, I learned academic concepts such as natural sciences, history and mathematics. But in Engela, I learned life,” he said.

He credits his upbringing for instilling in him a balanced view on education, from cooking as a survival skill to discipline, respect, and community values.

“Respect for others, regardless of background, was taught by every elder in the village. Those lessons shaped who I am today,” he reflected. 

He also credits his teachers for their role in his journey. 

“I am infinitely indebted to my teachers. The only way to repay them is by continuing and expanding their work through my service,” he said.

A calling discovered along the way

Interestingly, Alfeus didn’t initially see himself as a teacher. Like many young Namibians, he once aimed for engineering, but financial constraints and limited opportunities made that difficult.

“I had a wrong perception of teaching. I associated it with salary and working conditions, without fully understanding its importance,” he admitted. He faced challenges and chose teaching, which changed his life. Standing before learners and seeing Namibia’s future made him realise his responsibility as a teacher, igniting a passion that transformed teaching from a fallback into a meaningful career. 

“I became inspired to teach young people how to read, write and think critically. Those basics may seem simple, but they are powerful tools for life,” he added.

Teaching as a passion, responsibility

For Alfeus, education is more than academics; it’s a vital life skill shaping individuals and societies. He sees education as an ongoing process to improve understanding. Teaching, his passion, involves sharing knowledge and experiences to help others grow. He believes each generation must pass knowledge forward progressively.

“We inherited knowledge from those before us, and we must pass it on to benefit future generations,” he said.  This reflects his teaching approach, which emphasises academic excellence and personal growth.

Growth

Alfeus describes himself as a lifelong learner who continuously seeks to improve his knowledge and skills. He believes that teaching and learning are inseparable.

“A single day of teaching equally requires a day of learning,” he said.

His Master’s in Educational Technology helps him improve teaching and promotes ICT integration, making learning more engaging and accessible.

“Learners are diverse. Some learn through visuals, others through practical activities. Technology allows us to cater to these different learning styles,” he explained.

By using multimedia tools and inclusive teaching, he ensures no learner is left behind. Alfeus has seen education’s long-term impact on students, many of whom now work or pursue higher education.

He recalls helping learners with behavioral challenges turn their lives around through guidance and mentorship.

“Sometimes learners just need someone to believe in them and guide them in the right direction,” he noted. He emphasises the importance of being a role model, stating that learners are more likely to succeed when they see positive role models among their teachers.

“My learners should never face the hardships I did. That motivates me to improve,” he said. Alfeus credits his success to commitment, professionalism, integrity, and respect. “These values are essential in any profession, but especially in teaching,” he said.He believes discipline and respect should be taught consistently through engagement and example, fostering a respectful environment that encourages learners to take responsibility for their actions and growth.

Facing challenges head-on

Despite his passion, Alfeus recognises the challenges facing Namibian educators, especially the lack of adequate resources, such as digital tools in public schools.

“There is a significant gap in technology access,” he said. 

Another challenge is learners’ socio-economic conditions. He admits that these challenges can be emotionally challenging, but they also reinforce his determination to make a difference.

A vision for improvement

While acknowledging Namibia’s educational progress, Alfeus believes more can be done to align the system with global standards. 

“We have made strides, but must aim for excellence,” he said. He stressed effective implementation and monitoring of policies. Alfeus also called for better collaboration between communities, businesses, and schools.

“Public-private partnerships must be strengthened to support education and community development,” he said. He draws inspiration from educators, school leaders, and institutions contributing to Namibia’s education. He also recognises international partners such as UNESCO and WFP that support educational initiatives.

“These partnerships play a crucial role in ensuring that programmes are implemented effectively,” he said.

Alfeus advises aspiring teachers to have the right mindset, stating, “If you are lazy or selfish, you will struggle. This profession is about giving more than receiving.”

He describes teaching as “the mother of all professions”, highlighting its foundational role in shaping all other careers.

As he continues his journey, Alfeus remains committed to positively impacting his learners and Namibia’s education.  “Dear colleagues, we have what it takes to succeed. Let us continue working together. And to our learners, we are here for you, we got you,” he said.

-awakudumo@nepc.com.na