Natalia Nambandja (28) has been recognised as the best teacher in the Onathinge circuit for her dedication, innovative teaching methods and commitment to her pupils.
Teaching Grade 2 at Ombaladhila Primary School in the Oshikoto region, Nambandja was over the weekend awarded as the overall best teacher, an accolade she says has left her thrilled and overwhelmed.
“I couldn’t believe it, I was just a new teacher, and yet, here I was, being given such an award,” she says.
Nambandja says she knew from an early age that teaching was her calling.
“I love children, and I always loved playing school when I was a child.”
Nambandja says she started as a volunteer teacher.
“When I started, I didn’t have much difficulty because I already knew how to tackle most of my problems, but the most difficult was communication. Because it’s a rural school, most of my pupilss had difficulty with English,” she says.
To succeed she had to come up with creative teaching methods, she says.
“Our school is very lucky to have laptops for learning purposes. I use videos, learn vocabulary through poems and dance, and my children enjoy it.”
One of Nambandja’s Grade 2 two pupils last year, Mbaile Albertina, says: “Let me stay quiet so I can finish my work. Miss always gives the best pupils chips.”
Despite challenges, Nambandja says she still believes in her mission.
“I realise teaching may be challenging and frustrating, but we promised to educate Namibian children, and therefore, we should do so from our hearts.
“There is no such thing as ‘village pupils’ being less clever. We just have to steer them in the right direction.”
She says her ultimate goal is to put Ombaladhila Primary School on the map.
“For now, I want to make our school a trendy topic for excellence in the whole circuit,” Nambandja says.
She says this is in line with Oshana region senior education officer Noa Shikongeni’s vision.
“Laziness is the most destructive thing to the future generation in education,” Shikongeni says.
Caption
RECOGNITION … Natalia Nambandja was awarded as overall best teacher in the Oshikoto region’s Onathinge circuit this weekend.
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