The Otjozondjupa education directorate on Wednesday rewarded its teachers, learners and schools that performed exceptionally well in the 2021 academic year.
A total of 120 teachers, seven learners and 12 schools in the region were rewarded for their good performance in Grade 11 Ordinary level and Grade 12 Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level. The awards were only for those that obtained A*, A, B and C symbols.
The Otjozondjupa Regional Education Director, Josephine Mutenda at the event held in Otjiwarongo said the directorate this year aims to achieve a 70 to 100 per cent pass rate in Grade 11 and Grade 12 AS level.
“If it will require us to conduct in-service training for our teachers facing difficulties, we will do it,” she said, before revealing that her office has set aside N.dollars 250 000 for the training.
About 2 048 learners were in Grade 11 last year in the region, of which only 440 are enrolled in Grade 12 this year.
Mutenda noted that the best performers are recognised with cash prizes, medals, trophies, gifts and certificates to show appreciation for their efforts and encourage those that did not do well to also improve this year.
Otjozondjupa Governor, James Uerikua handed over the awards while accompanied by Oshana Governor, Elia Irimari who also attended the event.
Otjiwarongo Senior Secondary School (SSS) scooped the overall performing award, while its English teachers at AS level – Arlete Sambiliye and Klementine Shikongo were also recognised as the overall performers in the region.
Donatus SSS was crowned the most improved school here, while other government and private schools from Grootfontein, Okahandja and Otavi also received awards for their milestone performances.
Otjozondjupa Regional Council chairperson, Marlayn Mbakera on her part urged the directorate to see to it that the 440 learners enrolled in Grade 12 AS level this year are supported so that they all qualify for university studies in 2023.
The region has 88 schools, 1 600 teachers and 53 979 learners this year.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
