Amutenya slams principals who block innovation

Innovation among staff should be encouraged, not squashed, parliamentarian Willem Amutenya told school principals in the Onankali Circuit.

Amutenya said many young teachers graduate with fresh ideas and energy, only to be discouraged by principals stuck in old ways of doing things.

“Some principals don't like innovation. You will bring innovation, but they will tell you that they have been there and they have been doing things that way," he said. "This culture must die. Young educators coming from university, let's welcome their ideas and support them,” he said.

He was speaking at the Onankali Circuit annual staff conference held at Ekamuti Lodge in Ondangwa, Oshana region, on Monday.

Amutenya urged principals to lead with purpose, build professional teams, listen to their teachers, support them, engage with parents and never forget to demand accountability.

He said principals must also recognise excellence, correct mistakes fairly and create school environments where both learners and staff want to become better.

Describing the school as the footprint of the community, Amutenya said it is where children learn right from wrong, are taught discipline and responsibility and are encouraged to discover their talents and how to disagree without becoming enemies.

To teachers, he stressed the need for continuous self-development.

“We can't remain static while the world is changing. Let us read, study and attend professional development programmes in order for educators to learn new teaching methods,” he said.

Amutenya also called for equal access to technology for rural learners.

“Children need to grow at the same pace, whether the child is in the village raised by a grandmother who can't afford a device. It's upsetting seeing a four-year-old child counting while in rural areas children don't know how to count at that age,” he said.

Aim for top spot

Meanwhile, deputy director of programmes and quality assurance in the Oshikoto region, Tomas Kalimbo, urged teachers to complete syllabi and intensify revision for the final term.

“There is still a window period for any teacher to change the performance of their learners. Learners should be provided with continuous encouragement and motivation during this critical period,” Kalimbo said.

He added that from 30 September, teachers should cut all distracting activities and focus solely on examination preparation.

Kalimbo noted that Oshikoto ranked second in Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary Level (NSSCO) exams and fourth in Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) tests last year and encouraged teachers to double their efforts and aim for first place.