No cellphones at Negumbo SSS

THE use of cellphones is not allowed at Negumbo Senior Secondary School, one of Namibia’s best performing schools.

Moreover, the use of drugs and alcohol is also a no-no.

I have not spotted any bottles or packets lying around the school hostels at all.

“These young ones will not concentrate on their lessons if we allow them to have phones. They will also not sleep. They will be chatting all night as is happening in our homes,” said the principal, Iiyambo Alugongo.

Alugongo said although they understand and acknowledge the benefits of the digital age, he believes the pupils themselves do not understand the importance of limiting the time spent on using cellphones.

“Cellphones can be useful, but these learners are not at a level where they can control themselves. We have seen that schools whose learners are allowed to possess phones, do not perform well,” he said, quickly adding that they also do not tolerate bullying.

Currently, they have three Grade 12 learners suspended for bullying those in smaller grades. He said the punishment period varies from case to case.

Some of the pupils may be suspended for a month, others for three months. This means they will be able to attend classes, but will not be accommodated in the school’s hostel.

“We take this very seriously. New learners should feel peaceful. We will not allow anyone to intimidate them. Bullying is not a good thing at all,” Alugongo asserted.

Exuding confidence, he said the school rules are printed for the use of pupils and their parents to avoid any misunderstandings when an offence is committed.

The well-equipped computer classrooms replace the need for cellphones. Grade eight to 10 do Computer Studies as a subject, while Grade 11 and 12 do Information and Communication Technology for basic computer usage.

The pupils speak very highly of their 23 teachers who all stay on the school premises. They say the teachers are quite helpful, should the need arise for them to make any phone calls.

Wilhelmina Ambiya, a Grade 12 pupil, says this was the best school she has ever attended in her life.

Ambiya says she does not see the need for pupils to have cellphones, because the teachers always help them when there are emergencies.

“The teachers are committed to making sure we perform well. They give us the freedom to disturb them any time and we as learners also try our best.

“We do not need cellphones because they always help whenever we need to contact our parents should a problem arise,” she said.

Petrus Shilongo, also a Grade 12 pupil, and a member of the representative council for sports, said he does not feel the need for having a cellphone at school.

Shilongo said since he joined this school last year, he became more disciplined, something he says he is proud of.

This, he says, is because of his teachers’ advice. “They are very caring and they care about learners’ well-being. That is why we listen when they tell us what to do and what not to do.” His peers agree, cheering and laughing.