Star teacher of the week

Mareli Delport- Berg-Op Akademie

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I liked working with children and seeing how I could make a difference in their lives.

What were your aspirations at a younger age?

When I was younger, I wanted to be a lawyer, studied law as well, but God had other plans and I ended up teaching.

What motivates you to get up every morning to go to work?

The children and meaning something to them.

How long have you been a teacher?

I have been a teacher for eight years.

Tell us about your challenges and how you overcome them on a daily basis?

One daily challenge is our educational system not providing for all types of learners so they can grow to their full potential. Covid-19 is also a huge challenge at the moment but trying to see potential in every learner, delving into that and building on each one’s potential individually is how we try to overcome the challenges, and to inspire learners to just be the best they can be and not to compare themselves to other learners. Covid-19 forced us to implement e-learning to assist with the lack of face-to-face teaching and learning when a lockdown is at the order of the day. Being a third-world country with internet issues and poverty it remains a challenging situation, but teachers being resilient, we make plans and alterations as we move along.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned from your learners?

One of the biggest things I have learned from my students is to never stop dreaming, to be positive and take change with a smile and in my stride. I am very straightforward and make my students feel at ease because I do not judge them and know that everyone makes mistakes, we must just learn from them and move forward. I am a hard worker but never expect people to do things that I cannot do or I am not prepared to do. I treat students equally and respect them and their views and that is how I earn their respect.

What are your talents? What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about understanding one another, communicating and working hard and living up to your potential.

What is your favourite book, song, favourite place to visit in Namibia?

I have many, currently ‘The River’, or ‘This is How I Fight my Battle’ by Michael W Smith. Favourite place to visit in Namibia is Swakopmund.



Tell us about your journey

Like I said, I started my journey in law circles as I studies law at Potchefstroom University after matriculating at Academia in Windhoek; was a public prosecutor and then got married and moved to the farm with my husband. After I had my firstborn, I was asked to help out at a small farm school, Gqaina Primary School, about 30 km from our farm. I was nervous but also excited about the new prospect and challenge. On my first day there, the teaching bug bit me and I was hooked. I enjoyed the laughter and jokes and funny moments in class and that each day always had a positive and funny moment that accompanied it. In law there were more bad days than good but teaching always had something that made you smile or feel special or accomplished. From there I then worked in Gobabis when my kids went to school, then I was offered an HOD post in Okahandja at a private school. Finally, I ended up as high school biology teacher at Berg-Op Academy in Okahandja, as I also did two years BSc and am now the subject head of science. I must say I love my ‘big kids’ so much, but still admire the enthusiasm and innocence of the little ones.