Students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) have been encouraged to embrace resilience and lifelong learning.
This was shared during a public lecture by Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) Sanet Steenkamp, who reflected on her academic journey.
Addressing students and academics, Dr Steenkamp said her journey towards obtaining a doctorate was a demanding but transformative process.
Steenkamp says that her study focused on developing support models within education, noting that collaboration among teachers and participants assists in shaping practical solutions to improve inclusive education.
"Now this PhD journey did not start in 2018. Officially it kick-started in 2018. But I did my master's at Rhodes University in the year 2000, and then two years later I graduated. Educational leadership and management, inclusive education – I looked at Gabriel Taapopi and the integration of visually impaired learners and what we need to do. And then for years I did not study. But I read. And then in 2013 I went to Rhodes University, and I then got into a pre-doc. I went there for a week, Dr Simataa. I just wanted to understand, am I right for this journey? Believe you me, I end up crying in the bathroom. When I listen to all these theories, I'm so out of touch, and I don't understand, and I'm asking myself in that bathroom, 'Is this really what you want to do with all these theories and research methodologies? You have to find your niche. 'Which theory will it be?' You see, and I was just overwhelmed. But then I decided I'm here for a purpose; I want to do my PhD. So I enrolled in 2015 and became then also the Executive Director or the permanent secretary. Then I had to put the spinal cord in for two years. In 2017 my lecturer then went on retirement, and I had to change lecturers, and I had to change topics. But I found my niche. I read in 2018; I read for one full year for my proposal. One full year I just did reading. And then I wrote the proposal in three weeks' time, and it was adopted. "
The minister says challenges and hardships within education systems should not be avoided but rather used as an opportunity for innovation and growth.
She also encouraged them to remain committed to academic success, stressing that hard work and commitment are essential to quality for those seeking to make meaningful contributions to society.