By: Peneyambeko Jonas
Niilo Taapopi Senior Secondary School in the Omusati Region is calling for broader career exposure for learners.
The school teachers and management argued that many pupils still know little about opportunities in technical, creative and agricultural fields despite preparing for crucial mock examinations.
The school hosted a Motivation Day on Friday for Grade 11 and 12 learners ahead of the examinations that will be used for applications to institutions of higher learning.
Teachers used the occasion to raise concerns about limited career guidance, unequal access to institutional visits and social challenges affecting academic performance.
Life Skills teacher Hilia Shikongo said many learners continue to associate success with a small number of professions they encounter daily.
“Mock examination results are the ones used by learners to apply to higher institutions, yet many still do not know their profession or career passion,” she told Eagle Media House.
According to Shikongo, pupils are familiar with teaching, nursing and medicine because they regularly interact with teachers and health workers, but they rarely receive information about careers in the creative industries, vocational trades, agriculture and other emerging sectors.
She said schools often invite universities and colleges to conduct career guidance sessions, but the institutions usually ask them to select only a small group of learners to visit their campuses.
“We mostly choose the best ones, hoping they will pick up every detail and come share with the rest when they return, but it is not helping. We want all learners to have equal experience and exposure,” Shikongo said.
The teacher believes wider participation would help pupils make informed decisions before leaving secondary school instead of following careers they do not fully understand.
Agriculture teacher Frans John said the sector has become increasingly important for food security and job creation, and schools should encourage learners to view it as a serious career option rather than a last resort.
He explained that Niilo Taapopi has established a school garden to give learners practical experience in crop production.
“We use the garden for practical purposes as we prepare learners on basic methods such as soil preparation, watering, taking care of crops and helping them market the produce after harvest,” he said.
John noted that hands-on activities allow learners to connect classroom theory with real agricultural production and entrepreneurship.
School principal Shivute Bekele said academic preparation remains a priority, but learners are also struggling with behavioural and social challenges that threaten their performance.
“Learners are facing challenges such as teenage pregnancy, boys are involved in alcohol, and some have been found with vapes at school, which leads to serious indiscipline behaviour that affects their studies,” he said.
Bekele said the school invites outside speakers each year because learners sometimes respond differently to messages delivered by people they do not see every day.
“Every year we gather them and invite an outsider to motivate them because sometimes when we speak to them, they do not listen because they are used to us,” he said.
The principal added that Niilo Taapopi has many talented learners who need guidance to recognise their strengths before completing high school.
He also called on parents to play a more active role in supporting their children’s career exploration without forcing them into professions that do not match their interests.
“Parents should take accountability for helping their children with career choices. It should not be the parents who choose a career for their children. That is why some end up going to university, failing modules and struggling because it is not their passion or interest,” Bekele said.
Teachers at the school say careers in agriculture, vocational training and the creative industries continue to be underestimated, even though many successful businesses and income-generating opportunities exist in those sectors.
They hope that wider career exposure and practical learning opportunities will help learners make informed choices and improve their prospects after school.
penny@eaglefm.com.na
