Thousands of learners countrywide headed back to school, and among those who passed through the school gates for the first time were two six-year-old neighbors from the Oshana Region.

It's nearly sunrise when the cock signals the start of the day.

To some, it's a normal day, but for two little neighbors and playmates, it's a formal start to 13 years of educational formatting.

Armas and Helvi are from Okahenge Village, and it's a twenty-minute walk to the local educational establishment, Omusheshe Combined School.

Armas was accompanied by his mother, Taimi Munenguni, and Helvi by her sister, Esther, as they trudged through the Oshana pan and local growth point to get to the school, which starts at 7:30.

Arriving at the school, the two joined other new and returning learners. As per the tradition, the principal, Tuafifa Hamupembe, stood at the gate to welcome her flock back.

Armas and Helvi shortly joined the assembly lines as the learners were welcomed to the school's fold.

The assembly started with the traditional regiment of the hoisting and singing of the national flag and anthem, followed by a prayer and hymn, and it was at this point that Helvi got a bit overwhelmed and started crying.

A little bit of counseling from a familiar face got her nerves calmed as she joined other preschoolers after the assembly to go to their class led by a new teacher

Young and enthusiastic male teacher Jonas Onesmus ushered them into the class, which can cater for up to 35 learners.

He started off by breaking the ice with his new charges by asking them their names.

The two little ones were not only neighbors at home but also in the class.

Helvi could muster a small smile and relax a little as she and her educational partner outlined in a few words their future career choice.

The Omusheshe Combined School has a school population of 365 learners and 16 teachers. With the addition of Helvi, Armas, and their classmates, it's all systems go for them in 2023.