02/09/2026
DEAR NAMIBIAN TEACHERS & LEARNERS: CHOOSE PEACE, CHOOSE RESPECT, CHOOSE YOUR FUTURE ❤️🇳🇦
There is a video currently trending on social media showing a male teacher being confronted by a schoolboy in a classroom. The learner even had the audacity to point a finger directly at his mentor.
But what happened next is what touched me.
The teacher took his paper and walked away.
He chose peace over anger.
He chose wisdom over confrontation.
He chose his career over a moment of revenge.
Because sometimes, as a teacher, you have every reason to be angry but you must also remember that one moment of anger can cost you years of hard work. If that teacher had decided to use his physical power, he could have injured the learner. He could have been injured himself. He could have faced disciplinary action, suspension, or even lost his livelihood.
Walking away did not make him a coward. It made him wise.
Dear Namibian teachers, school starts next week, and I am sure many of you will face difficult situations. Some learners will test your patience. Some will challenge your authority. Some may speak to you in ways that you never imagined a learner could speak to a teacher.
But please remember: You are not only teaching Mathematics, English, Science, omalaka or what ever. You are also teaching by example. When a learner disrespects you, don't allow their behaviour to destroy your peace, your career and your future.
As we say in Oshiwambo:
Etheni iipuku yikase omeya.”
Sometimes, you must let the anger pass and choose peace. Keep your bread. Keep your job. Keep your dignity. Keep your future. 🙏🏽
Walking away from a small boy does not mean you are powerless. Sometimes, the strongest person in the room is the one who has the power to fight but chooses not to.
DEAR LEARNERS ❤️
Your teacher is a qualified professional who has dedicated their life to educating you. Dhidhilika: Your teacher's salary will not decrease because you fail. Their family will still eat. Their children will still go to school. But your failure will follow you. The disappointment, financial burden and pain that come with failing may affect you, your parents and your family.
So when your teacher tells you to correct your behaviour, listen. When they rebuke you because you have done something wrong, don't automatically see it as hatred. Sometimes, correction is another form of love. A teacher who takes time to tell you where you are going wrong is saying:“I believe you can do better.”
Respect your teachers, not because they are perfect, but because respect is part of becoming a responsible human being.
And teachers, remember that your learners are still growing. Some come from difficult homes. Some carry problems you know nothing about. Some are fighting battles behind their smiles. Correct them firmly, but don't forget to guide them with compassion.
Let this new school term be different.
Teachers: Don't let one disrespectful learner steal your peace and Learners: Don't let one moment of disrespect destroy your future.
Aavali, Eputudho oha li tamekele megumbo!