Teachers at rural schools should overcome many challenges to produce great results in terms of learner performance.

This was emphasised during the Kandjimi Circuit and Kavango West teachers conference held at Nkurenkuru.

Lack of proper classroom infrastructure and teaching materials and long-distance walks to school are some of the major challenges pointed out over the years affecting teaching and learning at rural schools.

The principal of Sikumba Junior Primary School, Markes Kasanga, says it requires hard work and perseverance to succeed.

"I concur with you that those of us who are teaching at rural schools are going through a lot. We are going through a lot, and some of us can still reflect on the first day we arrived at those schools. The first question you ask yourself is, Will I make it? And then you enter that school, which is my class, and then you enter that class. These are the learners, but yet you are required to succeed, and you must, and this is what is expected of us. And then, in most cases, with this type of school, because of these other factors. They are being characterised by low academic achievement because you are not well resourced, and our results are not promising."

Kasanga highlighted that despite the challenges, a disciplined teacher can produce better results, if not excellent ones.

He urged fellow school principals to not relax but make sure teachers are delivering.

Hertbed Karapo, Education Deputy Director, Kavango West Region, advised teachers to consider their dressing code as it does play a major role in their upbringing.

He further stressed that the code of conduct should be made available to every school to help improve the teaching and learning environment.