Nantu organises drive-through memorial for fallen teachers
A drive-through memorial was organised in Otjiwarongo in remembrance of teachers and school staff who have died from Covid-19 this year.
ESTER KAMATI
Addressing the bereaved relatives and staff members, Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) Otjozondjupa regional chairperson Ichnecuis Kavitjene stated that the teachers’ absence will be felt on the school premises and the classrooms. “Your voices still echo in the minds of the learners.”
He added that the knowledge they passed on to the learners will forever be engraved in them.
“Their success will be yours to share. We celebrate you and your contribution to the education fraternity. Long live your memory, long live your legacy.”
Kavitjene made these remarks at the final stop of the drive-through where photos of the 12 staff members were displayed and their loved ones drove by to commemorate them. The convoy of over 50 vehicles drove past Rogate, Karundu and Vooruit primary schools before concluding the short ceremony near the municipality in the town.
“We will not forget, but we will cherish and celebrate the memories of our fallen compatriots and what they stood for. The educating of the Namibian child. The rearing and guidance of these young minds to fertile grounds of self-actualisation. Indeed a noble profession, indeed a noble calling, which calls upon one to give of yourself beyond the parameters of duty.”
Also a member of Nantu, Tiljaard Uaputauka stated that teaching in the face of such adversity is challenging but educators continue to soldier on. He further stated that it is devastating for the learners when they come back to school and find that their teacher is no more.
“It has really impacted the education fraternity because these are people that are missing from the equation, where are we going to get them again?”
“We are in the lion’s den. It is a matter of following protocols and protecting yourself,” he added.
Otjozondjupa has lost 13 educational staff members from three circuits this year due to Covid-19, making it among the regions most affected by the virus amongst teaching staff. The affected schools include Karundu Primary School, which has lost four staff members, while Rogate Primary School lost their school principal.
NOT FORGOTTEN: Over 50 vehicles were part of a drive-through memorial in commemoration of teachers who have succumbed to Covid-19 this year. PHOTO ESTER KAMATI
Addressing the bereaved relatives and staff members, Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) Otjozondjupa regional chairperson Ichnecuis Kavitjene stated that the teachers’ absence will be felt on the school premises and the classrooms. “Your voices still echo in the minds of the learners.”
He added that the knowledge they passed on to the learners will forever be engraved in them.
“Their success will be yours to share. We celebrate you and your contribution to the education fraternity. Long live your memory, long live your legacy.”
Kavitjene made these remarks at the final stop of the drive-through where photos of the 12 staff members were displayed and their loved ones drove by to commemorate them. The convoy of over 50 vehicles drove past Rogate, Karundu and Vooruit primary schools before concluding the short ceremony near the municipality in the town.
“We will not forget, but we will cherish and celebrate the memories of our fallen compatriots and what they stood for. The educating of the Namibian child. The rearing and guidance of these young minds to fertile grounds of self-actualisation. Indeed a noble profession, indeed a noble calling, which calls upon one to give of yourself beyond the parameters of duty.”
Also a member of Nantu, Tiljaard Uaputauka stated that teaching in the face of such adversity is challenging but educators continue to soldier on. He further stated that it is devastating for the learners when they come back to school and find that their teacher is no more.
“It has really impacted the education fraternity because these are people that are missing from the equation, where are we going to get them again?”
“We are in the lion’s den. It is a matter of following protocols and protecting yourself,” he added.
Otjozondjupa has lost 13 educational staff members from three circuits this year due to Covid-19, making it among the regions most affected by the virus amongst teaching staff. The affected schools include Karundu Primary School, which has lost four staff members, while Rogate Primary School lost their school principal.
NOT FORGOTTEN: Over 50 vehicles were part of a drive-through memorial in commemoration of teachers who have succumbed to Covid-19 this year. PHOTO ESTER KAMATI
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