St. Joseph’s R.C. High School, celebrated 100 years of excellence in education on 3 September 2005. Almost a year and half after the century celebrations, the school still prides itself in its performing learners. Statistics indicate that St. Joseph’s ranks fifth on the regional performance list, rubbing spots with Higher Technical School in fourth place, Windhoek High School is third and Delta in second. Jan Möhr is the top JSC achiever of 2006.
With a 96.5 % of JSC learners promoted to Grade 11 for 2007, St. Joseph’s is proud of the commitment the students are showing towards their education. The school is also ranked 20th on a National level of JSC performance for the year 2006. Principal Dion Nashenda states proudly that even Frank Fredericks, completed his grades eight and nine at St. Joseph’s. “This is because the Christian background and environment of the Catholic school creates a platform of fundamentals that instill a sense of appreciation for the privilege of education.”
The fact that all scholars are resident at the Mission hostel contributes positively to the results of the learners. This is because of the location of the school. Situated approximately 20km north of Windhoek, in Döbra, the school requests learners to stay in the hostel, as commuting to and from Windhoek could end up in a hefty traveling bill for education. Scholars are allowed to return home once a month. With a diverse scholar population of Khomas, Kavango and Oshikoto region learners, Principal Dion Nashenda states, most scholars come from farm schools and or from Windhoek. They have a tight studying regime of four hours every day, which are dispersed in a study – friendly way. With sport and culture such as soccer, drama and choir playing a major role in extra curricular, the youth stays positively occupied. “The fact that these scholars are also far away from temptation such as clubs, shops and alcohol, contributes to the fact that St. Joseph’s is one of the top performing schools in the Khomas region.”
In May 2006, the school sent Alice Umererwa to participate in the Teen’s programme of 4th annual Windhoek Tourism week. She supported and contributed to awareness efforts on the importance of tourism among the community and the residents of Windhoek. The Mayor, M. Shikongo conveyed the appreciation of the City of Windhoek, in the school’s contribution to the campaign. The school will take part in the campaign this year as well. The school also partook in the Shell Water Care Environment competition in 2006. The competition aims to raise awareness of the preciousness of water. It encourages learners to investigate the dangers, which are threatening the water resources and wetlands in their environment. And to find sustainable solutions for the protection of this scarce resource. Here the school obtained many prizes.
All learners contribute to their education with School Development Funds of
N$ 432-00, Hostel Fees at N$3111-00 and Insurance fees at N$ 5-00. The total of
N$ 3548 admits students at St. Joseph High School. All learners reside at the school Hostel on the same premises.
The Government subsidizes this private school, and so the Ministry of Education produces salaries, textbooks and exercise books. The R.C. Mission in Döbra maintains the building itself, because it forms part of the Mission. Painting and construction of two classes are underway in order to cater for more than the 424 learners currently attending the school.
A question extensively asked is if the school, due to its Catholic status, invests in extra religious teachings. “Extensive dogmatic faith of the Catholic nuns, teachers and learners is practiced outside of school hours. But religious and moral education forms part of the curriculum.”
Principal Nashenda, who also teaches grade twelve Physical Science and Mathematics, indicates that the school simply stays true to reason it was established, being a haven for German and Herero orphans, whom the Missionaries saw needed a shelter and needed education in the times of colonization. ‘The school community is diverse and the scholars interact and exchange views in a mature and positive way,’ Nashenda told in the interview.
Problems do arise due to the location of the school. Many rivers feature in the area, when they flow, the teachers are restricted, and cannot go to work when it has rained. Nashenda states: ‘We have appealed to the Municipality and the Ministry of Roads, to build a bridge in order to erase this endless fear that the river might be flooded (and frequently is) after some light rains and that the children are deprived of their daily chapter of information.’ The school urges the Government, to see the urgency of the situation if they really want to uplift the standard of education. “Support our school in order to continue delivering quality education. The learners are performing well and we are guiding them with a vision for a brighter future.” Principal Nashenda continued, stating the struggle of developing the economy returns to the square of discipline, appreciation, respect and hard work. “If all stakeholders, including the Government, learners and parents invest in education the investment will shape society.”
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