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hindongo Immanuel Chindongo, a grade 9 Physical Science and Mathematics teacher at Ruben Makaranga Combined School, has emphasised the significance of schools to lay a strong foundation in math and science, as it is upon these skills that all higher-level mathematics and sciences courses are built.

Mathematics has been a major bottleneck for Namibian students in public schools. Students encounter problems, such as inadequate teaching methods, emotions and lack of interest in the teacher. Chindongo said he joined public service to conquer all those issues faced by the students.

Chindongo strongly believes that his expertise as a Mathematics, Science and ICT teacher is highly beneficial to the public service.  

“As a Mathematics, Science and ICT teacher, I am well-versed in my respective fields, and I have contributed my expertise in developing and improving the curriculum for learners. I can help design tasks, create lesson plans and ensure the material is up-to-date and relevant,” he said.

He joined public service in 2008 as a novice teacher at Ruben Makaranga Combined School, an over-populated school in a Rundu township in the Kavango East region.

Besides teaching, Chindongo is also responsible for designing assessment tasks and marking them, such as topic tasks, tests, projects and practical investigations.

Besides that, Chindongo is also responsible for a continuous professional development programme for teachers, timetabling, school link database and examinations. He gives pastoral care for the emotional and social needs of learners as well as handles co-curricular activities, such as the science fair and debates.

When asked why he opted for public service, Chindongo said, “I wanted to serve the nation; I did not want other kids to go through what I went through. There was a scarcity of Mathematics and Science teachers at that time”.

“What I like most about working for the government is the fact that one gets an opportunity to interact with other stakeholders and to learn from the community I serve. There is also ample time to learn a new skill. For example, I learned bricklaying at Rundu Vocational Training (RVTC) evening academy,” he said.

Besides that, Chindongo is an expert in digital and financial literacy. He has a Master’s Degree in Education in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Education. He also runs a private tutorial institute, focused on educational research, digital literacy, financial literacy, as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) tutorials for grade 8-12 learners.

“I am passionate about digital literacy, and I believe that this skill set is crucial in today’s world, especially for teachers and human resource practitioners. I enjoy this profession because I can educate, inspire and entertain as I deliver the service to the Namibian child. In this digital world, nurturing learners’ creativity is one of my biggest goals, and it keeps in this profession, so that we can achieve digital literacy for all,” Chimbongo said.

Humble beginnings

Chimbongo was born on 14 February 1985 in Divundu, Kavango region. “I come from humble beginnings. My parents were subsistence farmers,” he narrated. Chindongo attended Martin Ndumba Combined School from 1993 to 2002 and then went on to attend the Max Makushe Senior Secondary School from 2003 to 2004. Throughout his junior secondary years, he served as a member of the learners’ representative council and was elected as the chairperson of the LRC during his grade 12 year.

Chindongo’s dream was to become a medical doctor or civil engineer, but, according to him, financial constraints prevented him from enrolling in these courses at the university. 

Instead, in 2005, he enrolled for a Basic Education Teacher Diploma at the then-Rundu College of Education (now the University of Namibia Rundu Campus), majoring in Mathematics and Science.

When asked how his expertise is beneficial to the public service, especially his ministry, Chindongo said: “As a teacher, I train other teachers on how to use ICT effectively. This can help to improve the overall quality of education in the country, which is a priority for the ministry of education. My expertise, as a Mathematics, Science and ICT teacher, can contribute to the development of the country. By producing a workforce that is skilled in these areas, the country can improve its competitiveness and position itself as a leader in science and technology,” Chindongo said.

Work-related accomplishment

“One of the most rewarding accomplishments for any teacher is helping students to achieve their academic goals. I have the opportunity to help students to master complex concepts and skills that are critical to their success. I helped struggling learners pass an exam and guided a high-achieving learner to excel in academics,” Chindongo said. 

Besides that, Chindongo also believes that during over 15 years of his career, he had a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators through creating engaging and challenging lesson plans, incorporating real-world examples and cutting-edge technologies, as well as encouraging learners to think critically and creatively, which can spark a passion for learning and discovery that can last a lifetime. 

“As a public servant, I had the opportunity to contribute to the wider community in many ways by mentoring other teachers with ICT skills and continuous professional development (CPD) and participating in professional development opportunities that help me to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in my field,” he said.

“I also managed to do an Advanced Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management in 2013 and an Honours Degree in Mathematics in the year 2015 – and eventually a Master’s Degree in ICT Education. All these studies were done on distance mode. I think some employees will find it difficult to study without taking study leave,” Chindongo said. 

Wishlist

“I wish to re-design the current curriculum to respond to the needs of our country, to serve the ministry at a managerial level to be able to be fully utilised, and to serve the nation at the level of my capabilities. Individually, I also wish to expand or strengthen my private tutorial institute TEDI (Tutorial Education Institute). 

“This institute focuses on educational research, digital literacy, financial literacy, as well as STEM tutorials for grade 8-12 learners. The target audience includes civil servants, especially teachers and human resource practitioners, who benefit from the educational research and digital literacy programmes,” Chindongo concluded.