ONGWEDIVA – Paulus Paulus, who started grade one at the age of 15, said he escaped from his uncle’s cattle posts to get an education.
The 22-year-old, who is now in grade eight at Ondundu Combined School in Tsumeb in the Oshikoto region, said his father took him to a cattle post in Angola to look after their livestock.
Paulus said despite his age, he will remain committed to reaching his dream of becoming a teacher.
“I have always wanted to go to school. I used to cry whenever I see others coming from school,” he said.
Also speaking to New Era, the school principal of Ondundu Combined School Juliane Nakale said Paulus used to follow other learners whenever they go to school.
“He used to come to school, carrying his books and sit under the tree while waiting for other learners to come out for break time, although he wasn’t yet admitted to our school,” she narrated.
She stressed that after she realised Paulus’ desire to start school, she approached the office of the regional education director to discuss his situation.
“We managed to get him a birth certificate until we admitted him in grade one. We bought him a school uniform and stationery,” she said.
She describes Paulus as a courteous and hard-working learner, who is always committed towards his schoolwork.
“His performance is excellent since the first day he started school. I am very proud of him,” she added.
Paulus told New Era that after school and during the weekends, he cleans people’s yards and also washes cars in the town.
“I use the money to buy food and cosmetics,” said Paulus.
According to him, his parents divorced four years ago, and he lives in his father’s shack with his two younger siblings.
“I am the head of the house. I take care of my siblings. It is not easy for me as a learner,” he lamented.
Furthermore, he said after divorcing, his father went out to Tsumeb to settle somewhere while their mother went to work on a farm.
“Our mother is far at the farm; sometimes, two months can pass by without her visiting us,” he said.
Paulus said they live compound of his father’s former employer.
“Now the owner of the compound is chasing us away, since our father no longer works there. We have no place to stay,” he said.
Paulus said he wants to become a teacher so that he can always motivate learners to study hard despite the challenges they might face.
Oshikoto education director Aletta Eises said her office is aware of Paulus’ situation.
“We will make arrangements so that he can be taken to the school hostel next year,” she said.
– fhamalwa@nepc.com.na