Africa-Press – Namibia.
For more than a decade, Tangeni-Omwene Isaac walked into the classrooms of Empelheim Secondary School in Mariental, Hardap region, with one mission: to provide every Namibian child with the best education possible.
Thirteen years later, his passion for teaching remains as strong as when he first started out in the profession.
When New Era recently visited Empelheim Secondary School, Isaac immediately stood out. Outspoken yet humble, he exudes a passion that inspires belief in the power of education. To him teaching is more than just a job; it is a calling.
“I see myself as more than just a teacher,” Isaac said with a warm smile.
“I am a guardian, a role model, and someone who believes in nurturing young minds. For me, it’s not just about teaching school children what to think, but rather how to think”.
Humble beginnings
Isaac’s journey into education was unpredictable. Before joining the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture on 30 January 2012, his life centred around football fields and long hours as a taxi driver in Windhoek.
“I had to make ends meet somehow. Football and taxi driving were my survival tools while I figured out what the future held,” he said.
When asked if teaching was his childhood dream, Isaac shakes his head. His original plan was to study marketing at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust). However, financial challenges closed that door but he maintained that teaching opened another door that has since transformed his life.
“Joining the government was my first ticket to establishing myself as a young adult and breaking out of poverty. It was not my first choice, but over time, I realised that it was exactly where I was meant to be,” he said.
Teaching with passion
Today, Isaac teaches Business Studies and Economics, subjects that require both accuracy and creativity. For him, lesson planning is not just about preparing notes but about creating an environment where pupils are encouraged to think critically.
“The curriculum will not be fully implemented without teachers. Our work extends beyond the textbook. We are tasked with discovering learners’ potential and guiding them towards a path that matches their capabilities,” he explained.
According to Isaac, his classroom has become more than a place for lectures; it is a hub of energy, debate, and discovery. He emphasizes that while knowledge is important, skills and values are equally crucial for shaping responsible citizens.
Frontline challenges
But the road has not been without struggles. Like many teachers in public schools, Isaac faces working in overcrowded classrooms, student indiscipline, and an overwhelming load of administrative tasks.
“It is tough to teach a child in secondary school who still struggles to read or understand the basics. But we cannot give up on them. Every pupil deserves a fair chance, no matter how difficult the circumstances,” said the educator.
Despite these frustrations, Isaac’s resilience remains firm. He believes teachers are the backbone of the education system and their dedication shapes Namibia’s future success.
Achievements
Isaac lights up when recalling moments when his efforts paid off. One such moment was when he guided a Grade 9 student through the application process for the Namport Maritime Programme. The student was eventually accepted to study in South Africa; a breakthrough Isaac still remembers with pride.
“Being part of her journey from start to finish gave me so much joy. Those are the moments that remind you why you keep going, even when the system feels overwhelming,” he mimicked.
Beyond classroom teachings
Teaching, for Isaac, goes beyond the four walls of a classroom. A passionate sports mentor, he coached the Mariental girls’ team that won the inaugural NFA Galz and Goals tournament. Several of his players, including Millicent Higoam and Ivone Kopper, went on to represent Namibia at national level.
“Those victories proved that a teacher’s impact goes way beyond textbooks and examinations. Sometimes, the greatest lessons are taught on the sports field, which includes discipline, teamwork, and resilience,” he said. Isaac emphasised that the greatest reward is not monetary, but the knowledge that he is shaping lives.
“The holidays are nice too. But what really matters is the pride of serving my community and shaping the future of Namibia,” he said.
Future
Asked about his future, Isaac is definite. He plans to keep teaching for at least another seven years, reaching 20 years of experience in education. Along the way, he aims to advance his studies to the master’s degree level and one day become a school principal.
“Teaching is not for the unproductive. We give our all every single day, because the future of this country sits in our classrooms. That is both a responsibility and a privilege,” he asserted.
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