Star Teacher
Mareli Delport, a biology teacher at Berg-Op Academy in Okahandja.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?I liked working with children and seeing how I could make a difference in their lives.
What were your aspirations at a young age?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a lawyer. I studied law as well, but God had other plans and I ended up teaching.
What motivates you to get up every morning to go to work?
The children and meaning something to them.
How long have you been a teacher?
I have been a teacher for eight years.
Tell us about your challenges and how you overcome them on a daily basis?
One daily challenge is our educational system not providing for all types of learners so they can grow to their full potential. Covid-19 is also a huge challenge at the moment, but trying to see potential in every learner, delving into that and building on each one’s potential individually is how we try to overcome the challenges, and to inspire learners to just be the best they can be and not to compare themselves to other learners. Covid-19 forced us to implement e-learning to assist with the lack of face-to-face teaching and learning when a lockdown is the order of the day. Being a third-world country with internet issues and poverty, it remains a challenging situation, but teachers being resilient, we make plans and alterations as we move along.
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learnt from your learners?
To never stop dreaming, to be positive and take change with a smile and in my stride. I am very straightforward and make my learners feel at ease because I do not judge them and know that everyone makes mistakes, we must just learn from them and move forward. I am a hard worker but never expect people to do things that I cannot do or I am not prepared to do. I treat learners equally and respect them and their views, and that is how I earn their respect.
What are your talents? What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about understanding people, communicating, working hard and living up to my potential.
What is your favourite book, song, favourite place to visit in Namibia?
I have many favourite books. Currently, my favourite songs are ‘The River Is Rising’ and ‘Surrounded (Fight My Battles)’ by Michael W Smith. And my favourite place to visit in Namibia is Swakopmund.
Tell us about your journey
I started my journey in law circles as I studies law at Potchefstroom University after matriculating at Academia in Windhoek. I was a public prosecutor and then got married and moved to the farm with my husband. After I had my first-born, I was asked to help out at a small farm school, Gqaina Primary School, about 30 kilometres from our farm. I was nervous but also excited about the new prospect and challenge. On my first day there, the teaching bug bit me and I was hooked. I enjoyed the laughter and jokes and funny moments in class and that each day always had a positive and funny moment that accompanied it. In law, there were more bad days than good, but teaching always had something that made you smile or feel special or accomplished. From there, I then worked in Gobabis when my kids went to school. Then I was offered a head of department post in Okahandja at a private school. Finally, I ended up as high school biology teacher at Berg-Op Academy in Okahandja, as I also did two years of a bachelor of science degree, and I am now the subject head of science. I must say, I love my ‘big kids’ so much, but still admire the enthusiasm and innocence of the little ones.