Steven Klukowski
KEETMANSHOOP – Former principals, school board members, teachers, learners and the current educational population of Krönlein Primary School (KPS) gathered in Keetmanshoop last weekend to celebrate its half-century in existence.
//Kharas regional education director lAwebahe llHoeseb said the school is an alma mater (literally meaning nourishing mother), being at the centre of the Krönlein community for generations in succession.
“Any school does have an institutionalised, organisational culture, which newcomers have to adapt to and honour the set way of conduct and failure to toe the line would make one an outcast,” he explained.
llHoeseb also advised educational stakeholders to as part of organisational growth towards realising efficiency and effectiveness, let go of some ineffective habitual practices and embrace new ideas in the best interest of learners.
The director congratulated all involved in the planning and execution of the half-century celebrations for a job well done and in addition wished the school the best for years to come.
Albert Boois, a KPS grade seven learner, could not hide his excitement when informing this publication of being a proud learners representative member of the school, having enrolled seven years ago.
“It means a lot for me being groomed at this historic institution where we, as a collective, persevere through many challenges, like the Covid-19 disruption, in order to celebrate this day together,” he said.
Boois, in his message to those learners he will leave behind next year, encouraged them never to give up in life and keep the school’s name high in future.
Another grade seven learner, Niroyah Van Wyk, said she is forever grateful to her mother for enrolling her at the best primary school in town.
“It feels great to be part of those learners celebrating KPS’ fifty years of existence,” she said.
She also encouraged her teachers to bear with her fellow learners’ sometimes funny behaviour and influence them towards becoming productive, exemplary citizens in life one day.
Keetmanshoop mayor McDonald Hanse, who is a former KPS learner, said 50 years of its existence is indeed an achievement.
“Where others might have failed, our previous and current principals, teachers, school board members, learners and the community as a whole have managed with great foresight and true dedication to establish a beacon of hope and tranquillity for generations to come at this school,” he said.
He also advised learners to guard against the evil of ill-discipline with all their might, as it can lead to their downfall. “Be courteous, on time and do your homework, as this is the only recipe for your success,” he added.
Also speaking at the celebrations, Keetmanshoop Rural constituency councillor Gerrit Witbooi in his congratulatory message reasoned that providing a safe and trusted place of education and formation for learners is a big responsibility.
“In light of this, KPS had given to many learners a wonderful start on their journey towards a fulfilled and contended adulthood,” he said.
The politician said the strength, character and commitment of many outstanding former learners had added hugely to the civic strength of many communities and the country at large.
“I would like to commend the management of this school for steering it so effectively through the current challenges and complexities. Furthermore, the support of other stakeholders makes this anniversary a sounding success,” he said.