Teaching is a challenging, tough, yet rewarding career that isn’t for everybody. As the saying goes, teachers are born, not made, and it all comes down to passion. This is according to Mathew Kalimbo, a language teacher.
As schools resume for the 2023 academic year this week, the renowned Highline Secondary School Grade 11 English teacher has urged teachers to carry out their duties with passion and purpose.
Kalimbo believes that Namibia’s educational status quo can only change if teachers take ownership of their profession not only when it comes to teaching, but also in lesson planning and classroom management. He is confident that commitment, perseverance and dedication are the core concepts of success.
In an interview with New Era this week, Kalimbo also urged teachers to avoid classroom boredom by making teaching interesting and effective.
“Expressing your passion for teaching or the subject you teach can grab your students’ attention and drive engagement,” he noted.
He further said, “We need to be on top of our game. It is simply a requirement that you bring passion to your classroom every day. There are few emotions as infectious, and there are the few attitudes I would rather see students emulate”.
Highline Junior Secondary School, one of the best-performing schools located in Katutura’s Goreangab area, has been in existence since 2006. The school has over 1 000 learners, 34 teachers, and six administrative workers.
The beginning
Kalimbo was born and grew up at Iipandayaamiti village in the Omusati region, and said he is passionate about teaching and personal growth.
“I always wanted to teach, and after graduation was impatient to get into the classroom. Seeing students learning and progressing has brought me a great sense of accomplishment,” he added.
Being passionate about personal growth, Kalimbo obtained a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Namibia. He joined the public service in 2014, teaching senior grades ranging from eight to 11.
“It is a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together. I enjoyed teaching the older children. Every year, the group has its challenges and rewards, which is definitely part of the appeal,” he said.
Besides that, he also offers part-time lectures at the University of Namibia and the Namibia College of Open Learning.
“It was my dream to educate the Namibian child and the community at large. I have been fortunate to work with many children from all walks of life. What never surprises me is a child’s desire and hunger to learn. It is my pleasure to have such a duty, and even after such a long time, every day is still different,” he beamed.
Asked how his expertise is beneficial to the public service, more especially to Highline, Kalimbo had this to say: “With nine years of teaching and three years of lecturing experience, it has made it easier to impart quality education to a Namibian child.”
Years ago, Kalimbo used to drive a taxi.
He said what is fulfilling about his job is seeing his learners getting quality symbols in English. “Most of my 2017 grade 12 learners qualified for the highest tertiary institutions. Most of my 2022 grade 11 learners got As in English”.
It is not justifiable, and uncalled for to see some learners getting 20% in English” he stressed.
Challenges
Kalimbo acknowledges that there is no job without challenges, and teachers are also faced with difficult working conditions, such as learners’ ill-behaviour and parents not being involved in their children’s education.
“I know it is rough. But none of these things will ever stop you from being the most productive, most dominant teacher who ever stood before a classroom of students! Let me say it one more time: none of the difficult working conditions you face will ever stop you from succeeding,” he emphasised.
Outside of school, Kalimbo enjoys spending precious time with family and friends, reading novels and playing football.
On his wish list, he wants to see Highline in the top 10 of the national competitive schools. He is also planning to pursue his doctorate in the same discipline.