'You are not defined by your marks' - Ballotti

The education ministry recently commemorated the International Day of Education
The event brought together learners, student leaders, educators and government officials, with speakers highlighting education as a foundation for leadership, nation-building and personal growth.
Desmarius Hansen
  • 20 Hours Ago

The Ministry of Education commemorated the International Day of Education last Saturday, sending a strong message to young people that academic results alone do not define their future or leadership potential.

Addressing learners at the event, the First Spouse, Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, noted that many young people may not yet realise the roles they could one day occupy, but stressed that leadership often emerges from ordinary spaces, such as classrooms.

“One day, one of you will be a president, a minister, a lawyer, or a leader,” he said. “You might not know it now, but it will be you. When that day comes, I hope you will come to me and say, ‘You were referring to me,’ and I will say yes, because I knew you would.”

Speaking at the event held at the Government Park Auditorium, deputy education minister Dino Balloti encouraged learners and student leaders to look beyond marks and symbols, emphasising that character, empathy, and kindness are the true measures of success.

“You are not defined by your marks or by your symbols,” Balloti told learners. “You are defined by your character. Being a good human being defines us. Having empathy defines us. Being kind defines us.”

The commemoration brought together learners, educators, and government officials, with speakers highlighting education as a foundation for leadership, nation-building, and personal growth.

“If we want to bring meaningful change to the country, we must remember that the majority of the population is under 30 years of age; therefore, we need to listen responsibly and try to implement youth ideas,” education minister Sanet Steenkamp said in a video message.

The ministry said the International Day of Education serves as a reminder of education’s role in empowering young people, shaping responsible citizens, and preparing future leaders for Namibia and beyond.

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