‘A learner is not stupid unless the teacher is also stupid or lazy’
Educators urged to inspire, not just collect a salary
Mbunza Traditional Authority leader, Hompa Alfons Kaundu, has issued a stern call for accountability in the education sector, saying teachers who fail to perform their duties should be held responsible for their learners’ poor results.
Speaking during Teachers’ Day celebrations at Leevi Hakusembe Secondary School in Kavango West last Friday, Kaundu said too many educators approach teaching as a mere job rather than a calling.
He argued that true teachers inspire and guide learners to reach their full potential, even under challenging conditions.
“A learner is not stupid unless the teacher is also stupid or lazy,” Kaundu said, adding that every child has the ability to learn if guided with commitment and patience.
He urged the regional director of education to refer underperforming teachers to the traditional authority for review, stressing that no educator should be above accountability.
Kaundu said the profession requires passion, not entitlement, and that educators must embody integrity both inside and outside the classroom. “Those who step into the classroom only for the sake of a salary should reconsider their motives,” he said.
Aim high
He further appealed to the education ministry to upgrade the University of Namibia’s Rundu campus into a fully-fledged university offering all academic programmes to help strengthen teacher training in the Kavango regions.
In addition, he encouraged girl learners to aim high and pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men. “There are very few women flying helicopters. I would be pleased to see a lady from our region flying one day,” he said.
Meanwhile, Namibia National Teachers’ Union (Nantu) Kavango West chairperson Daniel Lyambezi echoed similar sentiments at a separate event, warning that schools have increasingly become “battlegrounds” instead of places where conflicts are resolved.
He urged educators and managers to work together to protect the interests of learners.
“When two elephants fight, the grass suffers – and that grass is the Namibian child,” Lyambezi said during the Bunya Circuit teachers’ symposium held last Friday.
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Speaking during Teachers’ Day celebrations at Leevi Hakusembe Secondary School in Kavango West last Friday, Kaundu said too many educators approach teaching as a mere job rather than a calling.
He argued that true teachers inspire and guide learners to reach their full potential, even under challenging conditions.
“A learner is not stupid unless the teacher is also stupid or lazy,” Kaundu said, adding that every child has the ability to learn if guided with commitment and patience.
He urged the regional director of education to refer underperforming teachers to the traditional authority for review, stressing that no educator should be above accountability.
Kaundu said the profession requires passion, not entitlement, and that educators must embody integrity both inside and outside the classroom. “Those who step into the classroom only for the sake of a salary should reconsider their motives,” he said.
Aim high
He further appealed to the education ministry to upgrade the University of Namibia’s Rundu campus into a fully-fledged university offering all academic programmes to help strengthen teacher training in the Kavango regions.
In addition, he encouraged girl learners to aim high and pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men. “There are very few women flying helicopters. I would be pleased to see a lady from our region flying one day,” he said.
Meanwhile, Namibia National Teachers’ Union (Nantu) Kavango West chairperson Daniel Lyambezi echoed similar sentiments at a separate event, warning that schools have increasingly become “battlegrounds” instead of places where conflicts are resolved.
He urged educators and managers to work together to protect the interests of learners.
“When two elephants fight, the grass suffers – and that grass is the Namibian child,” Lyambezi said during the Bunya Circuit teachers’ symposium held last Friday.
[email protected]
Scan the QR code to watch
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