• Education

A young visionary from the North

Tunohole Mungoba

She is an 18-year-old who keeps many balls in the air. She is the president of her school choir, head prefect of her school and now also the newly elected junior mayor of Tsumeb, Pomwene Hamutumwa describes herself as “bubbly, friendly, ambitious and God-fearing”.

As head prefect of Etosha Secondary School in Tsumeb, she believes that attending school and getting a good education is a very important stepping stone to a successful future. She advices learners stick to their study schedules and focus on building a successful future for themselves. “A mistake so many learners make is not focusing on their academics. School must come first and should always be your number one priority.”

She was born in Oshakati and raised in Ongwediva. She says that sheenjoys showing affection to others and making sure everyone she comes in contact with feels important. She is very positive and does not believe in “dull” days.

She was handpicked out of 19 other prefects by her principal, Andris Kaishungu, who felt she was best fit for being head prefect. “In between her very busy schedule she is always willing to help where she can. She is a very diligent, good mannered learner and she is a pleasure to teach. She is a leader with good morals,” Kaishungu said.

Her duties as the junior mayor of Tsumeb include giving ideas for new projects that the junior council can start with. She has always been an active member of her community. “I am very innovative and I love bringing up new ideas at school and doing new things for my community,” she says.

According to her, becoming a junior councillor was a decision left to the school management. “My school was given the responsibility to choose two people to represent the school that they thought would be a best fit for the position. They choose me and a fellow prefect. Becoming junior mayor was something I have always wanted to become. I wanted to be a for the youth and to address issues that I think concern the youth of my town.”

Although Hamutumwa admits that juggling all her responsibilities can be time consuming, she does not let it get in between her school work. “It all narrows down to time management and this is an important factor in each and every learner’s life, be it you have duties, responsibilities and extra mural activities outside school, she said. “I do follow my own time table for my daily activities so I can already foresee what days I am flexible or not.”

Hamutumwa plans on becoming a medical doctor after finishing grade 12. “It is something I have always wanted to do and I have had numerous dreams of wearing a white coat. I love helping people and making people feel better. Being a doctor would give me that opportunity.”

Magdalena Verrall, the guardian of the learners representative council (LRC), believes Hamutumwa is an excellent asset to the school. “She is a good leader who is a good example for her fellow peers. Pomwene is a well-balanced individual. She is good in academics and also enjoys taking part in extra mural activities,” Verall said.

Hamutumwa likes to think of herself as a visionary who can to contribute to female empowerment. “Female empowerment is important and women have to know their worth,” she says.

According to her the time for youth empowerment is now. “Let us move away from being selfish with our knowledge and rather strive to making sure everyone in your circle of friends is winning and succeeding in life. If you are good at a certain subject and you see that your friend is struggling, help them and make sure they ace the next test.”

Fast facts about Pomwene Hamutumwa:

· What is your favourite food? Eefukwa which are traditional Oshiwambo beans.

· What is your favourite song?‘Purple rain’ by the late Prince.

· Where is your favourite hangout spot in Tsumeb? Dros

· What is the motto you live by? Work hard in silence and let your success make the noise

· Who is one person you look up to? : My mother Lydia Hamutumwa.

· If you could have any superpower what would you choose? The power to heal everyone from illnesses they are suffer from.

· What is the last book you read? ‘Battlefield of the mind’ by Joyce Meyer.