The Namibia National Students’ Organisation launched the Dr Abraham Iyambo Achievement Award on Friday at the Highline Secondary School in Windhoek.
The award symbolises the legacy of the late Iyambo, and is aimed to motivate learners to work harder at their academics.
Remembered as the ‘Father of Free Primary Education in Namibia’, Iyambo was appointed as education minister in 2010 until his death on 2 February 2013. He was instrumental in the abolition of school fees for primary schools since 2013.
“The Dr Abraham Iyambo trophy of academic excellence will be in every region, and will be awarded to the individual who during every academic year from here on demonstrates academic merit and resilience,” said Nanso president Lucia Ndishishi at the launch.
She added that the award will be handed to the best-performing grade 11 learner at the chosen schools annually.
The trophy bears a headshot of Abraham Iyambo and the following text: “The Dr Abraham Iyambo trophy of academic excellence is awarded to an individual who espouses the legacy of the late Dr Abraham Iyambo, and who has demonstrated academic merit and resilience, awarded by the Namibia National Students Organisation”.
Nanso spokesperson Dorthea Nangolo said the award is firstly aimed at remembering the revolutionary commitment towards access to free education by Iyambo, and secondly a reminder of Nanso’s commitment towards the same fight.
She continued that so far, Nanso has identified 14 schools offering grade 11 across the country that will be gifted with a floating trophy.
Nanso further handed over a book titled ‘The Impact of Covid-19 and Malaria on the World’ to the Highline Secondary School's reading programme. It contains all the essays that were submitted from an essay competition held last year by Nanso, and a message from President Hage Geingob.
Speaking at the event, deputy executive director of basic education, Edda Bohn said: “To excel, you must be disciplined, and you must trust the forces within you and the leadership in front of you”.
She highlighted that she wants Namibian learners to be cared for, and they must work hard to unlock their potential.
“It was an intriguing educational ceremony for the learners and teachers who did not know much about the late Dr Abraham Iyambo,” said Geography and Development Studies teacher at Highline, Tjombonde Mbeumuna.
He added that learners are now inspired by this activity.