Star Teacher

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I decided to become a teacher so that I can make a real difference in children's lives. I take the task of developing young people into kind, thoughtful and contributing adults very seriously. I have always been so grateful to my teachers and the educational system for making me into the person I am today. I only hope that I can make that same kind of positive impact on the minds and hearts of my learners.

2. What were your aspirations at a younger age?

I have always wanted to become a doctor but due to financial constraints, I could not manage to attend the best schools with better facilities, however, I discovered that teaching was my calling as I used to teach my peers when I was at school.

3. What motivates you to get up every morning to go to work?

My learners are the biggest motivation in my life. I enjoy what I do. With mathematics being the language of physics, it makes me do creative work every day, every minute and every second.

4. What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt from one of your learners?

Being a physics or mathematics teacher allows learners to change you. They always surprise you and make you better. One of my learners once used a different method in solving a mathematical problem, which was not even in their textbook. I was so amazed that it prompted me to expose my learners to a variety of methods so that they can use any method which comes into their mind and thus making them independent critical thinkers. Learning is a continuous process.

5. How long have you been a teacher?

This is my 19th year of teaching; I started in 2002.

6. What is your favourite book and favourite place to visit in Namibia?

I used to enjoy Bostock and Chandler’s advanced level mathematics textbook when I was at school because I like mathematics. I love Swakopmund due to its appealing factors such as the moderate temperatures, rarely varying with more than 10 degrees between minimum and maximum, and availability of many amazing things to do ranging from observing incredible wildlife to skydiving over the desert and tasting local craft beer.

7. Tell us about your journey?

I started teaching in Zimbabwe from 2002 at Sanyati Baptist High School until 2010 as a physics and mathematics teacher, but, due to economic hardships, I went to South Africa in search for greener pastures and fulfilling my quest to learn new curriculum systems in southern Africa. I taught at Segopotje Secondary School until 2015, teaching mathematics, physical sciences and computer studies. In 2016 , I came to Namibia and started teaching physical sciences and mathematics at NEAC College. The following year, I was happy to start teaching at DHPS till to date. I am learning a lot due to different curriculum systems we have, such as the Cambridge system and the International Abitur (DIA) system and also the vast cultural diversity. Currently, I am teaching mathematics and physics on the Cambridge and the DIA system.