By: Stephanus Pombili
Pursuing higher education is not only a personal milestone, but also an investment into the future of communities that rely on trained professionals.
For Kandunda Gellasius, a proud graduate of the International University of Management (IUM) from the Nkure-Nkuru Campus in Kavango West, choosing IUM was a deliberate and transformative decision driven by national needs, academic passion, and the desire to contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s education sector.
Growing up in Kavango East, Kandunda witnessed first-hand the persistent shortages of qualified teachers in key subject areas. Senior secondary schools across the region and the country continue to face difficulties in securing well-trained educators for specialised subjects, particularly History and Geography. This national challenge played a crucial role in shaping his academic journey.
“I opted for IUM because I saw the demand for teachers in Senior Secondary education, especially in History and Geography. Our government has a limited number of teachers in that field, and I knew that by studying these subjects, I could make a real difference. IUM was the institution that offered me the chance to pursue this path with confidence,” he noted.
Kandunda’s decision to study at the IUM Nkure-Nkuru Campus was not based on convenience, but on the university’s reputation for tailor-made academic programmes that respond to Namibia’s developmental priorities.
He knew that IUM’s education programs were structured to prepare graduates for the realities of the Namibian classroom, equipping them with both theoretical depth and practical teaching skills. Beyond offering the course he was passionate about, IUM stood out for its commitment to public service, particularly through producing graduates who return to uplift their regions.
For him, being trained at IUM meant joining an institution that values nation-building, excellence, and social responsibility. One of the most memorable parts of his IUM journey was the high quality of teaching offered by the lecturers at Nkure-Nkuru Campus.
“IUM has the best service delivery in academics. The lecturers are committed and always deliver quality classes. They make sure students understand the content and are ready for the real world,” he shared with pride.
This dedication, he notes, creates a learning environment where students feel supported, motivated, and academically challenged. According to Kandunda, the lecturers do more than teach; they mentor, guide, and inspire learners to think critically and approach their profession with integrity and passion.
At the Nkure-Nkuru Campus, students benefit from close-knit academic relationships, regular class engagement, and strong administrative support. These conditions strengthened Kandunda’s confidence and allowed him to grow both professionally and personally. Looking back, Kandunda describes his time at IUM as a period of significant growth. He learned not only academic content, but also values such as discipline, commitment, and social responsibility; traits he now carries into his teaching profession.
His studies deepened his understanding of how important education is to rural communities and how a well-equipped teacher can spark change in a classroom. Today, Kandunda stands as a proud product of IUM, serving as evidence of the university’s ability to shape competent graduates ready to support Namibia’s development goals.
As he continues to advance academically, Kandunda is preparing to take the next big step, pursuing his master’s degree. His positive experience at IUM has inspired him to continue his postgraduate studies at the same institution.
“I encourage those who want to do their master’s with IUM to enroll this year. IUM is the right place for academic advancement, and I am also enrolling for my master’s this year,” he remarked. His encouragement speaks to confidence built through experience; experience shaped by quality teaching, supportive faculties, and programs aligned with national needs.
To Kandunda Gellasius, being an IUM Alumni is not just a title, it is a badge of honour. His story reflects the role the institution continues to play in transforming lives and strengthening sectors such as education.
From Nkure-Nkuru Campus to the classrooms of Kavango East, his journey is a testimony of dedication, purpose, and pride.
