STAR TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Rakel Petrus

Grade 8 to 12 Oshindonga and English teacher at Nilotaapopi

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

My decision to become a teacher was influenced by the fact that by doing the education course I’ll get a secure job. In a way that the course takes four years that means I’ll get a job faster and start getting paid, hence having my own money in four years.

What were your aspirations at a younger age?

At a younger age, I’ve always been fascinated by media. I remember telling my classmates that I would love to work on radio or TV. Most of my friends knew that I wanted to do journalism.

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

What motivates me to go to work every morning is my child, knowing that she relies on me to take care of her. Knowing that she deserves everything a child should get from a parent is reason enough for me to go to work. All I know is that if I don’t go, then my child won’t have anything to eat.

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

Challenges, well working with kids is pretty difficult and one has to master your way around them. I work with different learners that come from different backgrounds and this is what they come to portray at school, so instead of letting it put you down you make sure an issue of ill-discipline is rooted out instead of letting it take hold.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from your learners?

Patience. All I’ve learned from my learners is you have to be patient to achieve what you want. Don’t rush them, let them explore.

What are your talents? What are you passionate about?

Talents, I could say singing, I am very passionate about music and songs in general. That’s the only thing that makes me happy.

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

I’ve read a lot of books and listened to a lot of songs. What I can say is that for me to call a book my favourite is the content it holds, same as the song. My favourite is what I get from its content for that moment. My favourite place to visit so far is the coast; I’ve been there at least five times in just three years and I still will not hesitate if I get a chance to go there.

Tell us about your journey?

My journey to being where I am now wasn’t quite challenging compared to other people’s journey, it wasn’t easy I could say, I have a mother that did the little she does to make sure I was at least catered for and didn’t spend days depressed because of money or books or food. I don’t wanna be ungrateful, I could say my journey was manageable.