Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Hon. Sanet Steenkamp visited schools in Swakopmund on the first day of the academic year on Tuesday, delivering a strong message of respect, discipline and hard work to learners.
Addressing learners, teachers, school management and parents, Steenkamp said the visit was meant to greet learners at the start of the school year and to acknowledge the role played by parents, educators and school boards in supporting education. Steenkamp thanked parents for their sacrifices, saying many learners come from households where parents have “invested everything” to ensure their children are ready for school. “Nothing is taken for granted,” she told learners, urging them to appreciate the support they receive at home. Steenkamp also commended school management and school boards for fostering a culture of care, accountability, and respect. She emphasised the importance of strong cooperation between schools, pa-rents and communities, noting that learner success depends on shared responsibility.
Delivering what she described as her three key messages to learners, Steenkamp stress-ed that none of them required money, only commitment. The first message was respect for oneself, fellow learners, teachers, and parents. She spoke strongly against bullying and substance abuse, warning learners that there would be zero tolerance for vaping and drugs on school grounds or in surrounding communities. “This is a school. There are rules and regulations,” Steenkamp said. The second message focused on discipline, starting at home. She called on parents to help restore discipline in households so that it is reflected in schools. Using practical examples, she encouraged learners to develop self-discipline through simple daily routines such as making their own beds, cleaning up after themselves and setting aside time for home-work and revision. “Self-discipline means doing the right things even when you don’t feel like it,” Steenkamp said.
The final message was honest, hard work. Steenkamp told learners not to be discouraged by past academic results, reminding them that education allows for second chances. She encouraged learners to seek support from teachers, trusted adults and positive peers, and stressed that success in life is built on hard work rather than talent alone. “There are no shortcuts to success,” she said. Steenkamp assured learners that the eighth administration, under President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, is committed to improving service delivery in education. She urged learners to play their part by giving their best effort throughout the school year.
By Sharlien Tjambari
