The overall top performer in the 2021 Grade 11 ordinary level examinations, Ebonong Akpabio, has ascribed her good performance to hard work and dedication.
Youth Corner caught up with Akpabio soon after the results’ announcement to hear her secret to her academic success.
Still in disbelief that she scooped the first place, she said her formula was simply “putting in effort and working hard”.
Akpabio (17), a learner at the Reverend Juuso Shikongo Secondary School in the Oshikoto region, said her academic achievement was also a result of preparation and determination.
“This shows that everything is possible if you believe and work hard towards achieving your goals,” she added.
Despite her top performance, Akpabio faced many challenges last year, including navigating life and school through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic disrupted the teaching and learning process, which means we had to work extra harder to make up for the time lost,” she observed.
Asked how rewriting the exam affected her, Akpabio said it was draining but they persevered, regardless. Rewriting was necessitated, and successfully took place earlier this year after several examination question sheets were illegally circulated ahead of the exams last year.
She also acknowledged the strong support system from her parents and teachers, noting that they have played a major role in her academic success.
“It is because of them that I am still here, and I worked so hard just to pay them back,” she continued.
After completing Grade 12, she would like to study chartered accounting.
Ranked 13th in the same examination, Al-Zarrio Beukes from the Dr Lemmer Secondary School in the Hardap region said being in the Top 20 and representing his region is a dream come true.
“This feeling is unexplainable. When I was told I am part of the best performers, I could not believe it. But I thank God for everything because I could not have done it without Him,” he added.
Beukes would also like to study chartered accounting after completing Grade 12.
As for those who did not make it, he encouraged them to improve their marks and work harder.
“To the current grade 11s and other learners, I would like to tell them that achieving such a goal is not just a walk in the park, so do not give up.”
Last year, 46 977 full-time candidates sat for the national examinations.
Of these learners, 8 877 (18.8%) qualified to study Advanced Subsidiary level (grade 12), and 17 287 (36.8%) obtained a C or better grade that qualifies them for study at tertiary institutions.
Other best-performers in the top 10 include Taro Samuelson from Windhoek Gymnasium, Max Feilmeier (Delta Secondary School), Mione Garbers (Windhoek Gymnasium), Aneska Volker (Windhoek Gymnasium), Chris Fourie (Walvis Bay Private School), Rhosta Lyatumba (Jan Mohr Secondary School) and Lize-Mari Harmse from Windhoek Gymnasium.
The Khomas region outperformed all other regions, and occupies the leading position with 12 out of 20 top performers, followed by Erongo with four spots, Kavango East with two, and Oshikoto and Hardap with one each.
- ashikololo@nepc.com.na