Hassan Said Motinga, born and raised in the small village of Berseba in the //Karas Region, discovered his passion for teaching fairly late in life. This realisation dawned on him during a temporary teaching position at a primary school.
“It was a revelation how much I enjoyed shaping the futures of young children,” Motinga reflects. Driven by this newfound passion, he pursued higher education, after receiving a bursary from the Association of German School Societies in Namibia. This financial support enabled him to enrol full-time at the University of Namibia, where he is currently a second-year student in the Bachelor of Secondary Education in English and German (Honours) programme.
Encouraged by the German Section at UNAM, Motinga applied for a bursary to attend a Winter School funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). His willingness to enhance his German language skills paid off handsomely.
“To my joy, I was selected as one of two Namibian students to visit Germany for the 2024 academic year,” Motinga said. He described the opportunity as an enriching experience that will help bridge cultural divides between Germany and Namibia, while elevating his academic pursuits.
In Germany, Motinga aims to fully immerse himself in the local culture and academic environment. He is eager to learn, absorb new experiences, and share these insights upon his return.
Motinga’s 6-week stay in Leipzig, Germany, from 03 January to February 2024, includes intensive language classes, cultural excursions, and first-hand experiences of German life and people. He is thrilled about the prospect of becoming an adept teacher of German as a Foreign Language and contributing to the futures of Namibian youth and his family. His advice to peers is straightforward: “Apply, apply and apply! Seize every opportunity that comes your way.”
Dr Gerda Wittmann, Head of the German Language Section, is immensely thankful to DAAD for their continued support of the Section and its students, as well as the wider UNAM community. “This support is invaluable in fostering international academic relations and cultural exchange,” Dr Wittmann stated.
The Associate Dean, Dr John Nyambe, along with the entire School of Education, celebrated Mr Motinga’s achievement and extends heartfelt gratitude to DAAD for its generous support.
