Learners and teachers of Matumbo Angelina Ribebe Secondary School in Kavango East have exchanged responsibilities during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child.
 
The atmosphere at Matumbo Angelina Ribebe Secondary School in Ncaute Village took a different turn on Tuesday.
 
The usually strict teachers became learners, while the generally high-spirited youngsters turned into teachers for the day.
 
The idea was to expose the learners to the realities of a working citizen.
 
Principal John Kasoka explained.
 
“They are Namibian children who are expected to take up challenges, job opportunities, and so on, so we felt, let's give them the first experience because we know experience is the best teacher.”
 
Grade 12 learners had the opportunity to teach various subjects while their teachers attended lessons.
 
They admitted that teaching was actually harder than they thought, saying they now have newfound respect for their educators.
 
"Today was not easy because you had to deal with kids. They were laughing here and there, being naughty, and you had to keep them quiet. There was also a bit of disrespect towards some teachers, as they were learners for the day as well. However, all in all, it was a good experience indeed,” highlighted Justine Rukano.

"I was teaching chemistry in Grades 11 and 12. It was actually quite fun. The learners interacted with me more than they would with their regular teacher because most of them felt comfortable talking to me. Being in front of the chalkboard, yeah, it was a lot of fun,” noted Anselm Hamukoto.
  
“I was teaching English AS level, and it was not that easy if you are asking me; the experience was very nice. Then you also come into the class and are like, I cannot teach in a dirty class; open the windows and all that, because we are trying to imitate our teachers and all that,” added Fransisca Sikongo.
 
The learners say they felt honoured to be entrusted with such a huge responsibility.