By: Mathias Hangala
Denysia Liyolifeni Katemo shared her educational journey in an interview with Eagle Media House, explaining that she began her academic path in 2005 at Four Square Kindergarten in Okandjengedi.
From a tender age, education became an important part of her life and personal development.
She fondly recalled pretending to be a teacher throughout childhood and helping her siblings with their school-related activities, an act that later inspired her passion for teaching.
Katemo then attended Ongenga English Private Primary School in Ohangwena Region, where she completed Grades 1 to 3 between 2006 and 2008. She continued her studies at Golden Maggy Primary School in Ongwediva, where she completed Grades 4 to 7.
Thereafter, she attended Grade 8 at Cabatana Private School in Oshakati in 2013 before moving to Oshakati Senior Secondary School in 2014, where she completed Grade 12 in 2017.
However, after high school, she did not achieve the results she had anticipated. Instead of giving up, she improved these results in 2018 at the Extreme Tutorial Centre in Ongwediva.
“That period of my life taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of never giving up on myself after failure. Like many young learners, my educational journey was not always easy. There were moments filled with stress, pressure, disappointment, and uncertainty. Financial struggles sometimes made life difficult, and there were days when giving up felt easier than continuing,” she stated.
She added that balancing academic expectations with personal challenges was emotionally draining at times, but she remained determined because she believed education would one day change her life and the lives of those around her.
“One of the greatest sources of motivation in my life has always been my mother. She worked tirelessly to ensure that my siblings and I received the best education possible, even during difficult times. Watching her sacrifice so much for our future gave me the strength to continue working hard in school. She constantly reminded us that education is something no one can ever take away from us,” Katemo explained.
She further noted that her mother’s determination, prayers, and unwavering support shaped her into the person she is today.
In 2019, Katemo enrolled at the International University of Management (IUM), Ongwediva Campus, where she studied for a Diploma in Education specialising in Pre- and Junior Primary Education.
She said her passion for teaching continued to grow because she had always loved working with children and helping them learn and develop.
Katemo added that in April 2021, she started working at Dignity English Private School in Okongo’s Oluhapa Village, a school she helped establish.
“I began my teaching career there as a Grade 1 teacher. Later, I moved on to teaching a multigrade class for Grades 2 and 3, which gave me valuable experience in handling learners from different grades and learning abilities simultaneously. Through hard work, dedication, and passion for education, I continued to grow professionally, and today I proudly serve as the school principal,” she indicated.
Katemo explained that her journey in education has taught her patience, leadership, compassion, responsibility, and the importance of guiding children both academically and emotionally.
One of the challenges she experiences as a teacher is seeing learners struggle due to a lack of support at home, especially during school holidays.
She noted that many children become distracted and forget what they have learned at school, while others face difficult circumstances that affect their concentration and confidence.
“As both a teacher and principal, I always strive to encourage learners, motivate them, and create a safe and supportive environment where they feel valued,” she said.
Katemo encouraged learners not to allow their backgrounds or challenges define their future.
“Life may become difficult at times, but hard work, discipline, prayer, and determination can open many doors. Failure does not mean the end of your journey. What matters most is having the courage to rise again and continue fighting for your dreams,” she noted.
She also encouraged learners to respect their parents, teachers, and education, emphasising that many people sacrifice greatly to give children an opportunity to learn.
“I hope my story inspires young people to remain determined, work hard, and never give up on their dreams,” Katemo added.
She also encouraged parents to actively participate in their children’s education, stressing that learning begins at home.
Katemo advised aspiring teachers to remain resilient, even if they attend several interviews before receiving an opportunity.
She emphasised that teaching should not only be pursued for financial gain, but also out of a genuine passion for helping children grow and succeed.
