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Teacher celebrates nearly 40 years in the classroom

• PUYEIPAWA NAKASHOLE and SOPHIE TENDANEREBEKKA Amunyela (60) says her path in education began with the strenuous task of walking through the thick forest of Okando, a small town in Namibias north-west, where she was born.

During her retirement speech at A Shipena Secondary School in Windhoek last week, Amunyela, who was the first teacher in the Khomas region to introduce Oshikwanyama and Oshindonga as subjects, said her journey was not easy.

“In the past 37 years I have learnt to value humankind, to care for people, and to listen when people are talking,” she said.

Amunyela described the education system after independence as challenging, because it is faced with unruly behaviour, school dropouts, teenage pregnancies, alcohol, and drug abuse.

“I encourage the learners to maintain discipline and respect for both their parents and teachers, and work hard to pursue their dreams.”

Amunyela added that after many years, she is passing the torch on, in order to pave the way for future generations to take over.

She also advised teachers that there is no shortcut in the teaching profession, but hard work and remaining focussed are key.

School principal Moses Haufiku described Amunyela as an extraordinary member of the school faculty, and a mother and mentor to all.

“Upon joining A Shipena in 1997, she introduced African languages in the southern part of Namibia; the first Oshiwambo languages were piloted at A Shipena before it was spread to other Windhoek schools,” Haufiku said.

Biomedical science student from the University of Namibia, Alexisadeline Zaongara says Amunyela is a straightforward teacher who puts her objectives on the table. Zaongara credits Amunyelas hard work for where she is today.

“She is one of those teachers who are strict, committed and dedicated. She taught me Oshindonga higher level in 2017 and 2018.

Another of Amunyelas pupils, Zelda Johannes, who is currently in Grade 11, says Amunyela taught her to be respectful and behave in a dignified way.

“She has been like a mother to my fellow peers and I,” said Johannes, adding that she taught her never to allow fear and weakness to reign, and always to strive for what is right, never forgetting to do it in the right and respectful way.

Johannes said Amunyelas legacy will be heard by generations yet to come.

“We will surely miss her a lot. We will miss her outstanding presence because where Mrs Amunyela is, the room is always filled with love, peace, and most importantly – respect,” she said.

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