Obrein Simasiku

The Onguti Senior Secondary School in Oshikoto will extend teaching and learning for two weeks, despite schools having closed nationally last week for the first semester holiday. 

The extension was necessitated by the fact that the school did not kick off the academic year on time, due to overflowing sewage problems at the school. 

Teaching at the school only started at the beginning of March this year, compared to other public schools which started at the end of January.  

“We analysed the work we have done since we started, and realised that there are some patches which needed to be covered. In fact, we were unable to start with examinations on 12 April, like the others, because we were still far behind, hence we only started on 26 April,” stressed school principal Salomo Ndeshimona. 

Upon completion of the examination, Ndeshimona said, they will have another week of teaching and learning, including weekends, especially for grade 12 learners who are doing the new curriculum of advanced subsidiary level. 

“We will then release the learners on the 13th of May to enjoy the remainder of the holiday, because by then we are assured that we have covered almost everything for the first semester,” he added. 

Meanwhile, some parents welcomed the extension, saying it was for the benefit of their children. 

“I personally have no problem. We have been informed of the extension and we have no objections to that as it benefits the children. No one can afford and be happy to have a child failing,” said one parent, Petrus Nahole. 

On the other hand, the principal said he was impressed with the support from parents, hostel staff, learners and some teachers when they were informed of the plans to extend the teaching period.  

“Everyone is eager to push an extra mile, even though we have observed a few teachers who are not pleased with the idea. However, that is nothing of concern,” stated Ndeshimona.  

- osimasiku@nepc.com.na