Learner of the Week – DeJesus Jose’ Pires

DeJesus was a row captain in my class and the first essay he wrote I thought he copied it from a book it was so good. He is a quiet, kind, reliable learner.

DeJesus Jose’ Pires, Grade 8B, 14 years old

Mother tongue/tribe: Wambo, Damara

How long does it take you to get to school?

It takes me about an hour to walk to school.

What is your favourite thing about school?

Reading and learning new words.

Where in the world would you visit if you could and why?

Germany – I would like to do my studies there.

What is your favorite thing about Namibia?

Namibia is a peaceful, kind country that has a lot of exciting things to see. I like that my culture has good behavior.

What are some of your goals and dreams? What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to complete my studies, become a doctor and build my mom a huge house.

Who is your hero and why?

My mom because she held me for nine months and took care of me until now.

Reader of the Week – Wilbard Shaapa

I met Wilbard two years ago when we first arrived at site. He was in one of the English classes I substitute taught for 2 months before I got my own classes in January 2014. He was always eager to learn and one of the brightest in the class. This year I’ve gotten to know Wilbard because he is a library prefect. He loves to read and we enjoy talking about books together. He was chosen to attend Peace Corps’ Camp GLOW, a camp for young learner leaders in Namibia. I know he will be a great addition to the group and will learn a lot from his experience.

Wilbard Shaapa, Grade 11, 17 years old

Mother Tongue: Oshiwambo

How many languages do you speak? 3

What do you love about books?

I love the fact that they give you a sense of imagination. They allow you to picture the story in your head in any way you like.

What is your favourite book or author and why?

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. I like the Harry Potter books because they are full of action and mysteries.

Who is your favourite celebrity?

Bill Gates because he inspires me to be innovative.

What inspires or interests you to read books?

I am naturally fond of reading books and my love for it inspires me most.

What kind of books do you like to read and why?

Action and suspense books. They keep the reader on edge and make them want to read more of the book.

Where in the world would you like to visit and why?

I would love to visit the Bahamas because it’s a place for relaxation.

What are some of your goals and dreams? What do you want people in America to know about Namibia?

Study hard, graduate, pursue a career in mechanical engineering and make Namibia a better place.

Learner of the Week – Fransiska Kandjimi

Fransiska or “Cece” for short, was awarded Learner of the Week for her great behavior improvement since the beginning of the year. She’s a smart, dedicated learner and now her behavior in class matches her academic commitment.

Fransiska Kandjimi, Grade 8, 14 years old

Mother tongue/tribe: Portuguese

How long does it take you to walk to school?

30 minutes

What is your favourite thing about school?

The library.

How many languages do you speak?

4

Where in the world would you visit if you could and why?

The United States of America

Who lives with you at your house? What are some of the chores you have to do at home?

I live with my mother, father and 3 brothers. I clean the house, cook and water the plants.

What is your favorite thing about Namibia?

Free education – everyone goes to school for free and it is a free country.

What would you like people in America to know about your country, Namibia?

It’s a very beautiful place there is good education. There are so many tribes.

What are some of your goals and dreams? What do you want to be when you grow up?

My goal is to get 3 certificates. I’m dreaming of becoming a doctor.

Who is your hero and why?

My mother because she gave birth to me.

What are some challenges you face, at school or at home?

Math is difficult for me but my friends are helping me.

Learner of the Week – Mariah Domingo

Since we were out of town, I’ve got a bit of a backlog on Learners of the Week!

Mariah is in my grade 8 English class. She always does her homework and comes to class with a great attitude.

Mariah Domingo, Grade 8B, 14 years old

Mother Tongue

Oshivambo

How many languages do you speak?

5

Where in the world would you visit if you could and why?

South Africa because I love seeing pictures of SA and it is my dream country.

5

Who do you live with?

I live with my aunt and uncle. My chores are to wash dishes and cook for them.

Who is your favorite celebrity and why?

Michael D. Smith because the songs that he sings inspire me a lot and they make me think.

What would you like people in America to know about your country, Namibia?

I would like them to know that it is a very big and beautiful country with fourteen regions.

What are some of your goals and dreams? What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up I want to be an architect.

Who is your hero and why?

My mother because she always has time for me and she gives me advice.

What are some challenges you face, at school or at home?

It’s a challenge for me to always be on time at school. I try my best to look good and tidy in my school uniform to impress people.

What is your favorite thing about school?

School is the most exciting place. My favorite thing about school is meeting new friends.

Learner of the Week – Metride Uupindi

Learner of the Week is given out in my class on Fridays based on the learner who had the best behavior, academic performance or just overall good citizenship that week.

Metride Uupindi, Grade 8, 13 years old

Mother tongue/tribe: Vambo

What is your favourite thing about school?

It has a library.

Who lives with you at your house? What are some of the chores you have to do at home?

I live with my aunty. I clean the house, wash dishes, etc.

What would you like people in America to know about your country, Namibia?

Namibia is a very interesting country, there are deserts and many more.

What are some of your goals and dreams? What do you want to be when you grow up?

My goal is to study very hard to get good marks. I want to become a doctor one day.

What is your favourite thing about your culture and Namibia?

People are kind and there are swimming pools in certain places.

Who is your hero and why?

My hero is my aunt because she has always been there for me in good times and in bad.

What are some challenges you face, at school or at home?

At school it’s math but I will keep on going.

Learner of the Week – Klaudia David

Klaudia David, 16 years old, grade 8

What is your tribe/mother tongue?

Oshiwambo

What is your favourite thing about school?

I like to read, learn and write.

Who lives with you at your house? What are some of the chores you have to do at home?

My sister. I always clean the house.

What would you like people in America to know about your country, Namibia?

My country is beautiful.

What are some of your goals and dreams? What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a good person. I want to become a teacher.

What is your favourite thing about your culture and Namibia?

Anything you could want is here. I also love my Oshiwambo culture group.

Who is your hero and why?

My mother because she can take care of me and she gives me things I need.

Learner of the Week – Tracy Livingi

Tracy Livingi, 13 years old, grade 8

What is your tribe/mother tongue?

Sambyu

What is your favourite thing about school?

My favourite thing about school is when we are asked to investigate on something.

Who lives with you at your house? What are some of the chores you have to do at home?

I live with my parents and my siblings. I have to cook at home.

What would you like people in America to know about your country, Namibia?

I want them to know we have amazing physical features in Namibia.

What are some of your goals and dreams? What do you want to be when you grow up?

My goal is to pass grade 8 with high marks. I would like to become a doctor and my dream is world peace.

What is your favourite thing about your culture and Namibia?

My favourite thing about Namibia is that we are given freedom. My favourite thing about my culture is our dances. They amuse me so much.

Who is your hero and why?

My hero is Nelson Mandela. After being locked up in prison for many years without any good reason, he still had the courage to forgive the people who put him in jail and he won a Nobel Prize.

Learner of the Week – Advocate Chikomauzo

Advocate Chikomauzo, 14 years old, grade 8

What is your tribe/mother tongue?

Caprivian/Subia

What is your favourite thing about school?

My favourite thing about school is when we go for art classes.

Who lives with you at your house? What are some of the chores you have to do at home?

My Aunty and my sister. I clean the house and my bedroom.

What would you like people in America to know about your country, Namibia?

In Namibia you find rivers, oceans, mountains and different cultures. It is a beautiful country.

What are some of your goals and dreams? What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a doctor.

What is your favourite thing about your culture and Namibia?

Seventy-percent of Namibians are Christians and what’s what I like about Namibia.

Who is your hero and why?

My mother – she inspired me to be the best I can be.

Learner of the Week – Rosemary Haireka

Rosemary Haireka, 14 years old, grade 8

What is your tribe/mother tongue?

I am not very fluent in my mother tongue. I usually speak English. I am a Kavango.

What is your favourite thing about school?

My favourite thing about school is that I always learn something new each day, therefore I gain knowledge and wisdom.

Who lives with you at your house? What are some of the chores you have to do at home?

I live with my aunt, uncle and four cousins. I usually cook, wash the dishes and sweep the floor.

What would you like people in America to know about your country, Namibia?

Namibia is a very beautiful country that has a very rich cultural background. It is also very friendly and welcoming.

What are some of your goals and dreams? What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a very independent and successful woman. I would like to be a chartered accountant.

What is your favourite thing about your culture and Namibia?

I love that a person with a very different background can feel at home in Namibia. In my culture, we are very disciplined people. That is something I really like about it.

Who is your hero and why?

My mother is my hero because she does all her best to provide my sister and I. She gives us a better life than she had herself. She struggled in life to be the successful woman that she is now. I cannot wait to attain all my aspirations in life so that I can take care of my mom and pamper her as well.

Learner of the Week – Martha Siyamba

Martha Siyamba, 13 years old, Grade 8

What is your tribe/mother tongue?

Kavango (Rukwangali)

What is your favourite thing about school?

Reading and exploring new things and seeing my teachers and friends.

Who lives with you at your house? What are some of the chores you have to do at home?

I live with both my parents and brother and sister. I wash the dishes and water the garden.

What would you like people in America to know about your country, Namibia?

The cultures and the development, the minerals and the animals, too.

What are some of your goals and dreams? What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to become a marine biologist.

What is your favourite thing about your culture and Namibia?

I love Namibia because of all the things it has. I love my tribe because of the taboos and myths.

Who is your hero and why?

My hero is Hendrick Witoboa because he saved and fought for our country.