Bridging economic hurdles to achieve engineering success

Frans Shikulo reflects on his upbringing and the journey that led him to become an engineer in training at Debmarine Namibia's Research and Development department.

Growing up in a middle-class family that prioritised education, Shikulo had the necessary support to excel academically, despite not having extravagant possessions. As a child, he channelled his abundant energy into disruptive behaviour until his parents intervened, redirecting his focus towards productive and creative endeavours.

After being rejected from several high schools, Shikulo switched gears, made a determined effort to improve academically, and eventually gained admission to Windhoek High School.

Embracing the opportunity, he actively participated in cultural activities, academic competitions, and minor sports and held positions in the school's learners' leadership structure. His hard work paid off, as he consistently achieved top grades throughout his time at the school.

When Shikulo reached his final year of high school, his aspirations to study engineering at a university in South Africa or abroad seemed financially out of reach. Undeterred by this setback, he remained optimistic and hopeful. It was during that same year that representatives from Debmarine Namibia's communication section visited his school, presenting various career options and bursary opportunities. Seeing it as a sign, Shikulo seized the chance.



Motivated

With a determined spirit, he sought funding for his studies at the University of Stellenbosch, attending numerous interviews wearing his father's polished church shoes. Eventually, he secured the necessary support and embarked on an educational journey focused on signal processing and machine learning, specialising in robotics within the field of electrical and electronics engineering. Graduating successfully. Shikulo is now an engineer in training at Debmarine Namibia's Research and Development department.

Through his experiences, Shikulo has learned a crucial lesson: being born into a developing society comes with its challenges. However, he believes that it is essential to step back, assess what the country needs, and find ways to contribute to its development in a productive and creative manner.