RUNDU’S St Boniface College once again dominated the top of the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) ordinary level performances, with nine of the top ten performers coming from the school.
“YOU called us military, but that military works,” said Mary Phyllis Yesudasan, principal of St Boniface College, one of Namibia’s best performing high schools annually, yesterday.
She said discipline – amongst both pupils and teachers – was what made the school so successful every year. “It is number one. Without discipline, they won’t learn.”
The school is situated outside Rundu in the Kavango East region.
Yesudasan did not mince her words, and said her advice to other schools and their principals was that they needed to start working hard from day one. “They should organise their school and start planning, monitoring and evaluating from the beginning. They need to start working hard from the first day, instead of waiting until the third trimester.”
Ngeendina Itembu (18), who occupied first place, could barely conceal his excitement yesterday. “Yes, I am happy, very happy.”
According to him, he was grateful towards God and his teachers, but singled out his single mother, a mother of six, as his role model. “She got me to school, and she worked hard to pay for my school fees. She encouraged me throughout.”
Itembu intends to pursue a degree in civil engineering at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) – his love for mathematics being the major driving force behind this ambition.
Success is within reach if one studied hard and maintained focus, he noted. “All the other things can come later. Keep your head in the books.”
Being crowned the best female NSSC performer in Namibia, has left 18-year-old Justina Muhoka ecstatic. “I wasn’t really expecting it. I thought I would do well, but this is exceptional. Now I am just taking it all in.”
She dreams of a career as a medical practitioner. She intends to join the medical school of the University of Namibia (Unam) this year. “Since I was young, science and maths were part of my life. Now, I want to practise the real deal.”
To reap academic rewards, one needs to be committed, she stated. “And of course, you have to pray.”
According to her, Yesudasan is her icon. “She is an exceptional character, who has overcome so many obstacles.”
About criticism that St Boniface pupils dropped the ball at university once they were out of that disciplined environment, Muhoka said: “After this (Grade 12), it is up to you. It is your choice whether you study or you don’t, and is not the school’s fault.”
Dilopeng Makgone (18), daughter of the deputy minister of urban and rural development, Silvia Makgone, occupied third spot countrywide. She too was a St Boniface product.
Fantasising about a career in actuarial science, she will join Unam this year, starting off with a course in statistics.
Makgone appeared to have her ducks in a row. “My message to other youngsters would be: ‘You should know yourself. Don’t concentrate on what other people say. Study hard, and set your goals.”
She hails her mother as her role model for “always encouraging me”.
Brendane Mangundu (17) yesterday said he was pleased that his hard work had paid off.
On the cards for him for 2017 will be to also join Unam’s medical school to become a pharmacist. A newspaper article addressing the shortage of pharmacists in Namibia inspired his career choice. “So, there will be many job opportunities.”
According to him, his mother instilled in him the discipline of working hard, saying to him: “So, one day if I die, you will be able to look after yourself.”
Martha Singunde also 17, said: “I can’t lie, I am really very excited.”
She said that “for the longest time, she has wanted to study medicine”. In fact, she eventually plans to specialise in cardiology as heart health interested her.
Producing medicines was the dream of 17-year-old Tessa Kamonga, who will study pharmacology this year.
She encouraged other youth not to become discouraged when others attempted to distract them. “Don’t listen to them. If you think you can do it, you will.”
An older brother who had failed Grade 12 the first time around but subsequently graduated with a degree in information technology was the one who inspired Michael Namukuwa (18).
Being a people’s person has led to Frieda Kalomoh (19) planning to study medicine at Unam this year.
Faith, believing in yourself, patience and help from teachers were what helped her achieve success, she stated.
Despite being ill during the examinations, Clothilde Sanzila (17) pulled through, and was “very happy” yesterday.
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