The Deputy Minister of Higher Education Natalia |Goagoses says, that before apartheid came to Namibia, Namibians lived together as Africans, guided by the spirit of "Ubuntu'' an ancient African phrase meaning 'humanity unto others'.
|Goagoses said this at Emma Hoogenhout Primary School, which held a memorial service today in honour of Namibia's late Founding President.
|Goagoses affirmed that Namibia is grateful to its Founding President and Father of the Namibian nation for his 30 years of sacrifice for freedom and independence.
She elaborated that after Dr. Nujoma returned from exile, he ended the old Bantu education system, which divided and treated people along their tribal and racial lines.
"Dr. Sam Nujoma had a dream that one day, all children in Namibia, no matter what they looked like or which language they spoke at home, could sit together in a classroom like you are sitting today. Look around you; his dream has indeed come true. As you are sitting together, are you only Damaras together? Are you only Wamboes together? Are you only Hereros together? We are proud Namibians, One Namibia, One nation."
She further stated that President Nujoma was not a President by chance but a lifelong learner, highlighting that at the age of 75, he enrolled at the University of Namibia to pursue a master's degree in Geology.
Dr. Nujoma has been a tremendous advocate for youth leadership and empowerment.
His dedication towards the education sector has impacted many Namibians, and for this reason, two learners spoke of how they feel about Dr. Nujoma's passing.
Learners at Emma Hoogenhout also paid tribute to the late Founding President by reciting poems dedicated to him.
Minister |Goagoses and the learners bid farewell by releasing balloons into the air.
The Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture has announced in a press release that all public and private schools nationwide will close on Friday, 28th February.
According to the official statement, this decision allows learners to join their parents in attending the Windhoek-based memorial service honouring the life of Namibia's Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation, Dr. Sam Nujoma.