I wish to express and share my great delight at an incident that occurred recently at Diaz Primary School in Benguela.

I was looking for a certain teacher at the school and started my search by checking that person’s former classroom- not there. Another teacher warmly invited me into the classroom. As I entered the room every one of the learners rose smartly to their feet and greeted me with a warm chorus of “Good Morning Sir!” What a surprise! What a pleasure! What and honour! When I thanked them in delight and praised them for upholding one of the pillars of civilization- the courtesy of respectful good manners- the whole class chorused again; “Thank You Sir!”

I cannot adequately describe how impressed I was with that class. I then discovered, to my even greater admiration, that it was typical of every class in that school. I gathered that the Principal insists that his staff educate, teach and treat their pupils as if they were their own children, bringing them up in such a way that they would be proud of them. It is clear that they are doing just thatand succeeding splendidly. The behaviour of their pupils was in fact normal- I had just gotten used to the decline of respect, civility and manners.

How I wish that such an attitude could infect our entire education system- and society! If this is an example of our next generation then Lüderitz, and Namibia, will surely be blessed. Wish my warmest compliments and best wished for your bright future, I am proud of you all- THANK YOU!

Yours very sincerely,

Benny Benn