• Education

One School, many cultures

Matthew Tindogan



There are things that are often not noticed, especially in cases where one often sees this particular thing. An example would be how learners in school consisting of different types of people, eventually learn valuable life skills on how to treat others. They learn to be accepting, kind and open-minded. It is especially true for a school such as Berg-Op Academy.

Berg-Op Academy is familiar with the term of being a nationally diverse school. Learners and teachers alike come from many different backgrounds. As we all know Namibia, in itself comprises of quite a number of different tribes, each with their own unique heritage. However, the school is not limited to just students found in Namibia. There are quite a few Learners who are German, Portuguese and there are those who come from other areas of Africa. I myself am not a native to Namibia, in fact I was born in the Philippines. Berg-Op manages to integrate both Namibians and international students alike in a unified academic environment.

It is often an exciting experience to go to a school where there is such an abundance of cultures. Despite the many different tribes and nationalities, the learners and teachers alike are friendly and friend groups can be seen at break time comprised of learners sharing different nationalities as well as lifestyles and genders. The atmosphere at school encourages learners to embrace their own culture among others. The learners feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions freely with the teachers and each other. The teachers also have their fair share in being nationally diverse. In this fact, the learners feel more connected to the teachers and it promotes a positive learning environment where the learner isn't afraid to ask questions. Maya Angelou once said, “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” This can evidently be seen in a school such as Berg-Op Academy.