KEETMANSHOOP – Sentiments raised at the teachers’ conference in //Karas Region suggested that learners often model themselves on the ill behaviour of some teachers.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education Dr David Namwandi, the Governor of the //Karas Region Bernadus Swartbooi said a teacher is one of the most important figures in the education of a learner.
“A teacher is supposed to motivate and inspire a learner to strive for excelling beyond a mediocre level and to aim at reaching the highest spot in his or her life after school and in further studies,” the governor said. Swartbooi said teachers should lead exemplary lives so that learners strive to emulate their positive conduct.
The governor also revealed that N$6 million accrued from interest on the current account of the regional education directorate would be used to build a new state school in Rosh Pinah.
The region is currently contructing 13 additional classrooms at a cost of N$2.9 miilion at the Ernst Jager and Adam Steve combined schools, Chris Lotter Primary School, Noordoewer Junior Secondary School and the SC Vries Primary School.
“The primary grade learner population growth in Lüderitz and Keetmanshoop calls for the construction of additional primary schools in those localities and project identification forms were completed and submitted to the National Planning Commission for the construction of new primary schools,” he said.
The governor said plans are underway to start a vocational training centre at Bethanie as well as for the construction of housing units for teachers at Aussenkehr.
“Although teachers at other towns, villages and settlements are also in need of accommodation, there is a dire need for the construction of housing units for teachers at places such as Noordoewer and Oranjemund apart from Aussenkehr where there seems to be light at the end of the proverbial tunnel,” said the governor.
According to the Chief Education Planner in the //Karas Education Directorate, Katherine Goagoseb, teachers struggle to instil moral values because they themselves may have few moral values.
“You cannot instil moral values if you do not have moral values. Look at our absenteeism and our conduct on the streets and even our sexual relationships. Previously girls were raped but these days boys are also raped and some of our teachers are guilty of this . . . Wow!” she exclaimed. She also urged teachers to treat learners like human beings regardless of their ethnic background.
By Jemima Beukes