Top students, teachers, and schools awarded

The top students, teachers, and schools in the region were awarded at the Governor’s Education Excellence Awards, in a glamorous ceremony held on Thursday night.

Erongo governor Neville Andre explained that at the heart of educational success is the invaluable role of teachers.

“For our learners to excel, it is imperative that teachers are equipped with the necessary tools and resources. To improve learner performance, teachers need continuous professional development, access to modern teaching materials, and supportive environments that encourage creativity and innovation. We must ensure that our educators have opportunities for training and upskilling to stay abreast of the latest pedagogical trends.”

The governor emphasized that classrooms should be well-equipped with technology and resources that enhance the learning experience.

“Teachers need strong support systems — both from their peers and from the broader educational community.”

“Our region has made commendable strides in improving access to education, increasing enrolment rates, and achieving higher pass rates in subjects such as English and Afrikaans. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring equity in education across urban and rural areas, addressing the shortage of qualified teachers in some schools, and dealing with the infrastructural deficits that hinder effective teaching and learning. It is our collective responsibility to address these challenges head-on, with innovative solutions and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.”

He added that these awards should serve as an encouragement to the other schools in the region to better prepare for the upcoming regional and national exams.

“Education is the most powerful tool we possess to transform our society, and it is through the dedication of our teachers, the perseverance of our students, and the support of our communities that we continue to make strides toward a brighter future for all.”

The awards are as follows:

Best Chief Hostel Matron: Ms. Hedwig Franz (JP Brandt PS Hostel) and Ms. Elsie Kanguvi (SI Gobs Hostel). Best Superintendent: Ms. Irene Dlamini (Omaruru PS Hostel) and Ms. Alletta Malakia (House Namib Hostel).

Most Improved Hostel: House Namib Hostel; Best Hostel Award: Omaruru PS Hostel and Erongo Hostel.

The top 5 NSSCO learners in the region were Anke Rudolph (Walvis Bay Private School), Tobias Hitenanye (Duneside HS), El-Shaddai Mugabe (Duneside HS), Edward Kaakunga (Duinesig HS), and Cecillia Haindongo (Duinesig HS).

The top 5 NSSCH learners in the region were Jovita Shaduka (Duinesig HS), Paulus Ndara (Namib HS), Nelrie Zwemstra (Walvis Bay Private School), Cornelius Hakadiva (Kuisebmond SS), and Eliaser Katondoka (Kuisebmond SS).

The best teacher overall in languages was Ms. Burger from Walvis Bay Private School, with a 99.1% score in Afrikaans as a second language. Ms. Kleophas received the award for the best overall teacher in an African language, with a 96.4% score in Oshikwanyama first language at an ordinary level.

Duinesig High School, the most improved NSSCO school, moved from 16th to 5th place in the region, receiving awards such as equipment valued at N$8 000, a one-night hotel stay, a full-body massage for the principal, calculators, and a trophy. Martin Luther High School, the most improved NSSCAS school, rose from 14th to 6th place and was awarded equipment worth N$25 000, a hotel stay, and other items.

Walvis Bay Private School, the top-performing NSSCO school nationally with 81.03%, was awarded a PA system, equipment worth N$ 20,000, and a hotel stay. Namib High School, second with 71.12%, received N$15 000 in equipment and a hotel stay. Duinesig High School was third with 68.31%, earning N$10 000 in equipment and a hotel stay.

Duinesig High School also ranked first in NSSCAS with 78.12%, followed by Namib High School (72.35%) and Westside High School (65.89%), with all three schools receiving projectors, equipment, and cell phones.