A noble career built on integrity

If there is one profession in which the practitioners are driven by noble intentions, it is teaching. And having served as a teacher for over 17 years, Alex Simonda is proud to say that he has made a significant contribution to the welfare of many young people.

“With my experience, I would like to say the teaching profession is about passion, commitment, hard work, honesty and integrity, among other virtues,” he says.

Simonda holds a Basic Education Teachers Diploma, which was obtained in 2005, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Philosophy.

He further holds an Honours in Disaster and Safety Management, and is currently pursuing an additional degree in public relations.

He does not mince his words when he maintains that he always wanted to work for the Namibian government.

“After matric, I did a teaching diploma in the year 2003, and that’s where it all started,” Simonda reveals, gushing with pride as he speaks about a career that spans close to two decades.

“I have explored and learned a lot about our education system, have been a national examination marker for eight years, and attended various vital workshops where I shared my knowledge,” Simonda reveals.

He was born and bred in the Zambezi region in the early 80s.

“I started grade 1 at Mafuta Combined School in Katima Mulilo until grade 10. Thereafter, I moved to Sanjo Senior Secondary School in the Bukalo district. I was enrolled in the hostel until I completed grade 12 in the year 2001, and I’m proud to say I was among the top five performers at the time,” he says. 

In the year 2003, he was admitted to the Caprivi College of Education; now UNAM Katima Mulilo Campus. 

“I specialised in Geography and History grade 8-10, and took English as a minor option,” he adds.

Upon completing his teaching course in 2005, he got a temporary job in Rundu in the Kavango region, where he taught Geography at the Romanus Kamunoko Secondary School in 2006. Later that year, he got a permanent post in Omuthiya, Oshikoto region, where he taught Geography and History grades 8-10 at the Olupale Combined School. 

“In the year 2007, I moved to Windhoek and taught Geography at A Shipena Secondary School. He then moved to Immanuel Shifidi High School in his quest to gain more experience in teaching English.  

“Teaching is a noble job. It is far more than the academic acquisition of knowledge or application through teaching and learning. Its dynamics include working with a child’s mind, moulding, nurturing and parenting, among other humane causes,” he adds. 

But while he takes pride in his career, it is not without challenges. Simonda laments the teaching resources that he says are often in short supply.

“There are a lot of challenges in the teaching profession. Among others, the education system itself is still in its infancy and the government, as well as stakeholders, have no or little resources to move the system forward,” he says.

On the other hand, Simonda says societal and moral implications on education are failing the process. Parent-teacher-learner coordination is lacking.

This is because schools have become babysitting sites for children while parents are out for work, and this overshadows the core reason for education. But, some teachers are also failing to uphold the values of teaching in many spheres. 

“Nonetheless, education is a backbone that holds the candlelight through which a society and its people will see hope for a brighter tomorrow. Therefore, educating a nation should be a priority and not a privilege,” he stresses.

Says Simonda; “Resources are often delayed, and always not sufficient.”

Be that as it may, the fact that he contributes positively to shaping the lives of future leaders is the reason that motivates him to wake up every day.  

“The fact that I change the little ones’ lives and seeing how they integrate in real life and become responsible citizens makes me sleep well, regardless,” he maintains. 

He adds that as a teacher, he has developed a strategy where he gives a platform to his learners, and listens to their divergent experiences, backgrounds, upbringing, etc. In doing so, he develops a mutual relationship with learners, and lets them understand the importance of education and how discipline, behaviour, attitude and respect play a vital role in attaining success. 

“This strategy works for me, and using different teaching pedagogies and the use of various teaching materials as well as liaising with a number of better-performing teachers and seasoned and experienced teachers who have been in the system, helps. I use such skills and techniques to help my students understand the set objectives and content of the subject matter,” he notes. 

He is further driven by his commitment to being an exemplary leader and mirror of society. Also, having worked with people from all walks of life has made him a tolerant and approachable individual.

“I learned what loyalty and integrity mean in my line of work, and I cherish that. I worked with children from different backgrounds and upbringing, but I managed, and that is memorabilia of a lifetime that I will always cherish,” he continues.

Overall, working for the government, Simonda says, is a blessing that comes with various perks. But it’s one of the greatest in the sense of responsibility and pride that comes with serving the nation. 

“The fact that I don’t have to be pushed around is nice. After all, it’s our government. This gives me the liberty and urge to work,” he observes.

He describes a sad irony in the fact that folks who were mentored by civil servants – in the form of teachers – have now turned against the system, and describe public servants as ineffective.

“The irony of this issue is that the people denouncing public servants were once mentored by a person working for a public institution – in this case, a teacher – and now they are wherever they find themselves, and are being judgemental. Remember, everyone comes from that old and so-called useless teacher from the rural village,” Simonda fumes.

He maintains that he will serve Namibians for as long as his faculties allow him, and harbours good intentions for the country’s education system.

“My wish is for Namibia to have a well- reformed and revised education system that will benefit the Namibian child and African children at large.