Oshikoto launches 2024 academic year

The Oshikoto region last week launched its academic year for 2024 under the theme ‘Teamwork for Action Towards Excellence’.

The launch was held at Onguti Senior Secondary School in the Okankolo consituency, along with the regional performance enhancement awards, in which pupils and teachers from a variety of schools in the region participated.

Alleta Eises, the Oshikoto region’s director of education, at the launch said despite the region’s ongoing struggles with infrastructure, water, electricity, textbooks and school supplies, it is making progress.

She urged teachers to take responsibility for subjects and syllabuses and said they need to put more effort into helping and pushing pupils to achieve excellence.
“We are entrusted to ensure our pupils are getting the quality education they deserve,” Eises said.

She said parents ought to encourage their children to do better.

Lineekela Hamunyela, the acting deputy director of programmes and quality assurance in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, provided a summary of the top 20 schools in the Oshikoto region.

Olukonda Senior Secondary School, Onguti Senior Secondary School and Ondjamba Combined School excelled at languages, she said.

Elambo Combined School, Reverend Juuso Shikongo High School, Tsumeb High School, Ekulo Senior Secondary School, North Cord Academy, Oshigambo High School, Heroes Private School, Onakathile Combined Scho School, Olupale Combined School, Oshikoto Senior Secondary School, Wendy Private School and Uukule Senior Secondary School also performed well in a variety of subjects.

To inspire pupils and teachers in the area, Linus Kambeyo, a senior lecturer at the University of Namibia and motivational speaker, addressed attendees.

He said success differs from person to person, but the happiness derived from accomplishing objectives is the essence thereof.

Kambeyo said teachers should welcome setbacks and seize the chance to grow.

“Let’s not stop learning and let’s keep pushing despite different challenges,” he said.

On behalf of Oshikoto governor Penda ya Ndakolo, Okankolo councillor Hans Nambodi opened the academic year.

He said the quality of education in the region has significantly improved in the last year.

“I am therefore calling on shareholders in education to put maximum effort into helping pupils excel through the curriculum to become career citizens in the near future,” Nambondi said.

He urged pupils, teachers and parents to collaborate on education, because it will serve as a catalyst for lifelong learning and provisional access to high-quality, inclusive and equitable education.

“It will also protect and advance art and culture for a productive community by using a participatory approach.”

He encouraged teachers to give instructional time and assessment top priority as legitimate ways to fulfil basic education requirements.

“Pupils should also have self-discipline, as without it they cannot live up to the expectations of their education. Through education, let’s all strive to improve both our own lives and the modern world we live in,” he said.

Over 60 teachers and pupils from the region were recognised with trophies, certificates and medals for their hard work and dedication in 2023.