Veteran educator reflects on more than a decade in the classroom
Veiko Veiko, a senior mathematics teacher at Rundu Secondary School, is not your average educator. With over a decade of experience in Namibia’s education sector, he’s worn many hats and impacted hundreds of lives along the way.
“I have taught for 13 years since 2013,” he said, recalling his first post at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School.
Since then, Veiko has taught in both the Khomas and Kavango East regions, covering subjects from physical science to geography, and now focuses solely on mathematics for Grades 8, 10 and 12 at Rundu Secondary School.
A graduate in computer science and mathematics, Veiko didn’t initially plan to become a teacher. “At the time there was a shortage of teachers, and there was a call on NBC radio by the ministry of education,” he said. “I took up the challenge while I was awaiting graduation.”
His career has seen him adapt to a variety of environments and responsibilities, including IT management at his current school. “As a senior teacher, I also manage the school’s IT infrastructure with a colleague,” Veiko explained.
Critical role in society
Despite the ever-evolving educational landscape, Veiko remains grounded. “To me, teaching has become a practice, just as nurses, doctors or mechanics do. It’s not about money, it’s about value. Even outside the school, that’s how people see us.”
One of the persistent challenges in his career has been learner performance. He likened it to the constant battles farmers face, such as poor harvests. Still, he believes the struggles and criticism learners face act as a foundation for growth.
Veiko’s approach to discipline is rooted in empathy. “I don’t take things personally. A learner must learn, even a troublesome one. But I make sure the classroom is not a prison.”
Quiet force
Looking to the future, Veiko is realistic about what lies ahead. “Nothing lasts forever. I don’t need to keep this position for the next 22 years. I’m considering retirement in seven years to venture into other areas of education. I am a master of science holder, I will always write or read something.”
His advice to aspiring teachers is both honest and hopeful: “Teaching is a calling. If you have the passion, go for it. In Namibia, we have a reasonable salary scale. You can still grow, invest and thrive.”
As the bell rings for another class, Veiko remains a quiet force in the lives of his students, teaching not only mathematics but also providing valuable life lessons.
life. “Be strong,” he urged his fellow teachers. “Teach, teach, and teach.”
“I have taught for 13 years since 2013,” he said, recalling his first post at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School.
Since then, Veiko has taught in both the Khomas and Kavango East regions, covering subjects from physical science to geography, and now focuses solely on mathematics for Grades 8, 10 and 12 at Rundu Secondary School.
A graduate in computer science and mathematics, Veiko didn’t initially plan to become a teacher. “At the time there was a shortage of teachers, and there was a call on NBC radio by the ministry of education,” he said. “I took up the challenge while I was awaiting graduation.”
His career has seen him adapt to a variety of environments and responsibilities, including IT management at his current school. “As a senior teacher, I also manage the school’s IT infrastructure with a colleague,” Veiko explained.
Critical role in society
Despite the ever-evolving educational landscape, Veiko remains grounded. “To me, teaching has become a practice, just as nurses, doctors or mechanics do. It’s not about money, it’s about value. Even outside the school, that’s how people see us.”
One of the persistent challenges in his career has been learner performance. He likened it to the constant battles farmers face, such as poor harvests. Still, he believes the struggles and criticism learners face act as a foundation for growth.
Veiko’s approach to discipline is rooted in empathy. “I don’t take things personally. A learner must learn, even a troublesome one. But I make sure the classroom is not a prison.”
Quiet force
Looking to the future, Veiko is realistic about what lies ahead. “Nothing lasts forever. I don’t need to keep this position for the next 22 years. I’m considering retirement in seven years to venture into other areas of education. I am a master of science holder, I will always write or read something.”
His advice to aspiring teachers is both honest and hopeful: “Teaching is a calling. If you have the passion, go for it. In Namibia, we have a reasonable salary scale. You can still grow, invest and thrive.”
As the bell rings for another class, Veiko remains a quiet force in the lives of his students, teaching not only mathematics but also providing valuable life lessons.
life. “Be strong,” he urged his fellow teachers. “Teach, teach, and teach.”
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