Congratulatory Message to Veneruru Apehe Ngombe

Veneruru Apehe Ngombe

Dear Veneruru Apehe Ngombe,

It is with great pride, deep emotion, and heartfelt joy that I extend my warmest congratulations to you on the successful completion of your Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health from the University of Namibia. This is a remarkable achievement, and you have made us all extremely proud.

I remember vividly the days of your childhood, when you were just a small girl of about five or six years old. I still see in my mind’s eye the day your father and my sister brought you from Ondjete to Okandombo in Otjiurunga, traveling in a donkey cart. You came together with Kaimenduu Usher Katjizemba to our beloved grandmother’s house, a woman filled with immeasurable love, whose gentle spirit continues to rest in eternal peace. I still remember how Usher was so afraid of the little goat kids, and our grandmother would smile kindly and say, “My children must come back; do not scare them with the goats.”

Back then, we fondly called you "Apehe," a name that still brings warmth to our hearts. You spent your early days herding goats, walking to Etaka and returning faithfully each day. Your formal education journey began at Oukongo Primary School, under the leadership of Principal Mrs. Uaurua Tjiondu, while Tate Katumbu prepared porridge meals for you and your schoolmates, a meal that served as the main source of nourishment during those days.

Although I cannot trace every step of your journey after Oukongo with complete accuracy, whether you proceeded first to Putuavanga Senior Secondary School, Mureti, or later Okanguati Combined School—what is important is that you remained steadfast on your educational path, even when I was no longer close to home after moving north for work.

I fondly recall when we reunited in Windhoek during your studies in nursing at the Ministry of Health Training Centre, where you pursued your Diploma to become a Registered Nurse. I particularly remember the day you called me, expressing a desire to leave nursing and switch to teaching. After listening and reflecting deeply, I encouraged you to stay the course, because your path in nursing was not only valid but vital for you and for our entire family. I am grateful that you heeded that advice, persevered, and successfully became a registered nurse.

You began your professional career alongside Star Mumbinda, serving as dedicated nurses at Otjomuru in the Kunene Region. But your thirst for knowledge did not end there. Two years ago, you made the admirable decision to return to the university and pursue further studies, culminating in your postgraduate qualification in Mental Health.

As a Himba woman, you have set a powerful and inspiring example for others in our community. Your achievement is not just a personal success, but a symbol of hope, resilience, and academic excellence for all of us.

As a firm believer in academic pursuit and as a proud Himbacracy Philosopher, I often tell the younger generation: “You only complete your academic journey when you attain a PhD; until then, you are merely a traveler who must keep moving forward.” In this spirit, I encourage you to continue your academic journey until you reach the highest pinnacle of education, a Doctorate.

Once again, congratulations, my dear niece. We are proud beyond words, and we celebrate not just your achievement, but the hope and future you are building for generations to come.

May God continue to bless and guide you on your academic and professional journey.

With love and pride,
The Himbacracy Philosopher

The Story of Education through the Eyes of Philosophers: From Ancient Times to Himbacracy

 

📜 The Story of Education through the Eyes of Philosophers: From Ancient Times to Himbacracy

The history of education is the story of humanity’s dream to pass knowledge from generation to generation, from village fires to virtual classrooms. Philosophers have been the torchbearers of this journey, shaping educational thought across centuries and continents.

In ancient Greece, Plato (427–347 BC) imagined education as a way to create a just society. In his famous work The Republic, Plato described an education system that should cultivate reason and spirit, separating individuals into classes based on their natural abilities. Plato believed that the philosopher-kings, the wisest among the people, should rule because they understood the true forms of justice, beauty, and goodness.

His student, Aristotle (384–322 BC), took a more practical approach. Aristotle argued that education must develop moral character and reason, preparing citizens to live ethically and contribute to civic life. His belief in lifelong learning still echoes in modern education systems.

Centuries later, during the Enlightenment in Europe, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) dramatically shifted educational thinking with his idea that children are inherently good and must be protected from the corrupting influences of society. In his famous book Emile, Rousseau proposed that education should follow the natural stages of a child's development, emphasizing freedom and discovery.

The industrial revolution brought new challenges. John Dewey (1859–1952), an American philosopher, responded with the philosophy of progressive education. Dewey emphasized "learning by doing" and believed that schools should prepare students for democratic citizenship, critical thinking, and problem-solving in a constantly changing world.

Meanwhile, across the globe, Africa was developing its own powerful philosophies of education, rooted in communal values, oral traditions, and the lived experiences of colonization and liberation.

In Tanzania, Julius Nyerere (1922–1999) proposed the philosophy of Education for Self-Reliance, arguing that education should not create elites but empower communities. He envisioned schools as centers of community development where knowledge met practical life skills.

Similarly, Kwame Nkrumah (1909–1972) of Ghana emphasized education as a tool for decolonization and national development. He believed that Africans must control their educational systems to reclaim their dignity and history.

Steve Biko (1946–1977) in South Africa introduced ideas around Black Consciousness, emphasizing that education must liberate the mind and spirit of the oppressed before it can truly serve them.

In recent times, Namibia gave birth to a visionary thinker from the marginalized Himba community: Uerimanga Tjijombo. Born in Oukongo at Okandombo in Otjiurunga, Tjijombo grew up witnessing the struggles of a community often left out of the mainstream educational narrative.

From these experiences, he developed the philosophy of Himbacracy — a blend of traditional Himba values and modern democratic ideals. Himbacracy asserts that education must honor indigenous identity while preparing individuals for active, ethical participation in global society. Tjijombo emphasized “learning through cultural integrity,” where students are not stripped of their heritage but strengthened by it. His ideas call for blending oral storytelling, respect for nature, communal decision-making, and computational thinking.

Tjijombo's Himbacracy insists that no education is complete unless it empowers the learner to serve both their own community and humanity at large. His philosophy continues to inspire educational reforms in Namibia and beyond, reminding the world that the wisdom of the marginalized holds keys to humanity's future.

Thus, from Plato’s city-state to Uerimanga Tjijombo’s desert community, education remains a bridge between who we are and who we can become.

Graduation Message for Tusutuije James Ndjai

                               

Tusutuije James Ndjai

Today marks a moment of immense pride, joy, and reflection as we celebrate the remarkable achievement of my dear brother and lifelong friend, Tusutuije James Ndjai.

Our journey together began many years ago, and not merely by coincidence, it was destiny that intertwined our paths. On the 6th of October 2008, both of us, still very young and full of dreams, enlisted at Okahandja Military School as recruits in the Namibian Defence Force (NDF). I still vividly remember the excitement and hope that shone in our eyes as we stepped into the unknown world of military life, determined to serve our beloved Namibia with honour and courage.

Upon completing our military training in 2009, life steered us into different deployments: I was stationed at Ompacha Military Base in Katima Mulilo, while Ndjai was deployed at Suiderhof Military Base in Windhoek. Even though we were physically apart, our bond remained unbreakable. After our first deployment, both of us returned to Okahandja Military School to pursue specialized courses, I trained in Signals as a Radio Operator, and Ndjai pursued Transport and Logistics. Those days were filled with hard work, shared dreams, and countless memories that only strengthened the brotherhood we had forged.

Whenever special leave was granted, we travelled together back to our roots, the magnificent Kunene Region. I will never forget one trip in particular: on our way home, I realised I had forgotten my salary cheque back in Okahandja. I was anxious, but Ndjai simply smiled and said, "Don’t worry, my brother. We will survive on my salary. It’s enough for both of us." From that moment, sharing became our way of life. I would even carry both our bank cards, and we lived like true brothers, supporting each other without question.

Our friendship was built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect. When I was later redeployed to Rundu Military Base from Grootfontein, I returned his card, but our bond remained as strong as ever. We had promised each other that we would remain in the NDF and serve our country with pride. However, in 2010, life presented Ndjai with a new calling, one that would eventually change countless lives for the better.

I still remember the day he called me to say, "My brother, I have been admitted to Oshakati Health Training Centre. I am going to study to become an Enrolled Nurse." It was a bittersweet moment for me, sad that our daily journeys together would change, but deeply proud that my brother was stepping into a profession of compassion, care, and healing.

Ndjai pursued his studies with the same discipline and determination that he had shown in the military. Upon completing his training, he served at Epupa Clinic in the Epupa Constituency of Kunene Region, bringing essential healthcare services to one of the most remote areas of our country. But he didn’t stop there. Three years ago, he made yet another courageous decision, to return to university and further his education. Today, we are gathered to celebrate his success: Tusutuije James Ndjai has officially graduated with a Diploma in Nursing, now proudly recognized as a Registered Nurse.

To the Kunene Region, to his family, and to all of us who have witnessed his journey, this is not just an academic achievement. It is a story of perseverance, commitment, and service. It is the story of a man who chose to rise, not only for himself but for his community.

Ndjai proudly calls himself a son of Okatjetje, although we, his friends, often tease him, saying he belongs to Otjiurunga, for he is an Omukwendjandje, a proud descendant of a noble lineage, with deep roots in Otjiurunga, where his uncles and forefathers hailed from.

Today, as you wear your graduation gown, dear brother, know that you are wearing the hopes and pride of all who know you. You are a shining example to the youth of the Kunene Region, proof that with hard work, sacrifice, and resilience, anything is possible.

May this graduation be the beginning of even greater things in your life. May you continue to serve with kindness, inspire with humility, and lead with integrity. The Great Kunene Region, your family, and your friends are proud of you beyond words.

Congratulations, Registered Nurse Tusutuije James Ndjai! Your journey has just begun, and your light will continue to shine brightly.

With all the respect and brotherly love,
Your brother and lifelong friend.

Uerimanga Tjijombo

The Himbacracy Philosopher

Graduation Message for Vemuurisa Tjikundi Tjiposa

              

Vemuurisa Tjikundi Tjiposa

Today, 25 April 2025, is a day of great pride and celebration as we honour the remarkable academic journey of Vemuurisa Tjikundi Tjiposa, whom I fondly call Ms. Triple T, although I must admit, one "T" remains a personal secret I choose to keep for now.

I first met Vemuurisa in 2009 through our mutual friend, Kenaina Kenny Ruhozu, when they were both still school learners at Mureti High School. From that very first encounter, she impressed me with her good manners, sharp wit, and radiant spirit. Over the years, our paths crossed again in Windhoek, and our connection only deepened. Vemuurisa has been one of those rare individuals who have consistently believed in my own academic journey, often seeking advice, guidance, and conversation whenever she needed clarity in her educational pursuits.

Our bond has been built not just on academic discussions but on genuine friendship filled with laughter and lively debates. While I enjoy making jokes, it is often Vemuurisa who takes it a step further, teasing and challenging me until we both find ourselves deep in thought or hearty laughter. Her natural gift for speaking, her ability to express herself so eloquently, and her courage to challenge opinions (especially when we differ!) have always inspired and sharpened my own thinking.

Today, she proudly graduates with a Bachelor of Education Honours degree from the University of Namibia (UNAM), a monumental achievement that fills all who know her with immense joy and admiration. I must confess, I was a little surprised (even slightly "upset") that she did not officially tell me that her graduation day had arrived. However, upon reflection, I remembered that there was a time in our conversations when she mentioned it, perhaps I simply forgot amidst our many lively discussions!

Vemuurisa Tjikundi Tjiposa was born in Okapembambu, a beautiful village located about 15 kilometres outside Opuwo. She proudly hails from the Ovahimba community and stands today as a shining example of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge. Her accomplishment today is not just a personal victory but a proud milestone for the Ovahimba people, she is among the few who have graduated from UNAM, carrying her heritage and community’s hopes with pride and dignity.

Dear Vemuurisa, as you step forward into the next chapter of your life, may you always remember the strength of your roots, the power of your dreams, and the beauty of your voice. Your academic journey is only the beginning. May your future be filled with continued growth, success, and service to your community and the world at large.

Congratulations, Ms. Triple T, today, the world stands a little taller because of your achievements. Your story will inspire generations to come.

Uerimanga Tjijombo

The Himbacracy Philosopher