The Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti, has urged learners at Epukiro Secondary School to maintain discipline, have purpose and be resilient if they want to prosper in their education.

Ballotti made these remarks at the prize-giving award for teachers and learners who excelled during the 2025 academic year. 

Epukiro Secondary School in the Omaheke Region scooped a historic fourth position on the national examination ranking for the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Advanced Subsidiary level in 2025. 

Speaking at the award ceremony in Epukiro, Balloti reminded all stakeholders that if the school wants to maintain their good performance, they have to work hard to ensure that learners remain disciplined and focused.

"The third quality is resilience. Now this is having the strength to keep moving forward when life tests you. There will be times when you fail the test, when you have personal struggles, even when you doubt your abilities, but I tell you, young people, those who succeed are not the ones who never fail; they're the ones who choose to rise above."

The school principal, Sagarias Uanivi, stressed that this achievement is a clear reflection of the dedication, perseverance and collective effort of all stakeholders.

"Attaining the 4th position nationally serves as powerful evidence that our aspirations are attainable; it motivates us and reminds us that reaching the number one position nationally is not a mere dream but a realistic and achievable goal."

The regional governor, Pijoo Nganate, said success is never an overnight outcome.

"Today we celebrate learners who have demonstrated determination, discipline, and resilience. Your achievement is not only a personal accomplishment but also a source of pride for your parents, teachers, this school, and, indeed, the entire Omaheke."