Geingos rewards outstanding pupils and teachers

FIRST Lady Monica Geingos last Thursday showed appreciation to outstanding pupils and teachers at the Monica Geingos Junior Secondary School in the Tsaraxa-Aibes informal settlement with cash prizes, certificates and trophies.

Grade 9 learner Erickson Joseph (14) was awarded the prestigious dux award for being the school’s overall best performer for 2017. The award came with a trophy and cash prize of N$1 200, sponsored by the Otjiwarongo municipality.

Geingos, in her private capacity and as patron of the school, also rewarded Joseph with a cash prize of N$2 500, while also pledging financial support for him until he reaches university.

“I will also make sure that you attend your Grade 11 and Grade 12 at a school of your choice,” she said.

Joseph chose to enrol at the Otjiwarongo Secondary School to be close to his grandmother, who at the same event described him as a “hardworking and well-behaved child”.

The 10 best-performing pupils in Grades 8, 9, and 10 also received cash prizes of N$1 000 each, courtesy of Geingos, as well as certificates in subjects such as mathematics, English, physical science, life science, geography, agriculture and entrepreneurship.

The First Lady also gave three teachers at the school undisclosed amounts of money in recognition of their commitment to the school.

She also gave N$2 500 to Lena Gaeses, a parent who has dedicated her time to coaching the school’s netball team.

Geingos urged pupils and teachers to excel in their work, strongly warning pupils not to engage in sexual activities, but to concentrate on their books.

“It is not a good idea at all to become a parent at the age of 16 or 17 at a time when you are completely not ready to become a young mother or father,” she stated.

The event was attended by Otjozondjupa education director Simon Tsuseb, Otjozondjupa governor Otto Ipinge as well as parents.

The school caters for approximately 500 pupils from Grades 8 to 10, and has a complement of 17 staff members. – Nampa