As in February this year, the results of grade 12 learners were released. The results ranged from learners who performed badly, to good and to others who performed very well. Among the multitudes of learners throughout the country, there was some that performed exceptionally very well.
Namfarmers team caught up with one of the learner who performed exceptionally very well to give his view on agriculture. Simon Fernando Dala Francisco matriculated at Jakob Marengo Secondary School and he was the second best grade 12 learner in the country (NSSCO Ordinary level, Science Fields). He obtained an A* in agriculture.
Simon who have a strong love towards agriculture is planning to further his studies with the Namibian University of Science & Technology (NUST) and he have already enrolled & registered for Bachelor of Engineering: Electronics and Telecommunications. “I won`t be directly involved in agriculture, however through the course that I will be studying, I can still positively contribute towards the Agri-sector in the future. As through this course, I can come up with innovative technological solutions that can alter the agricultural industry”, says Simon.
Simon believes that, the reason why most young people are not yet involved in agriculture is because of the concept they have towards it. According to him, most young people still hold the view that agriculture is a dirty profession of those that are uneducated.
“For more young people to get involved in agriculture, we need to change the concept around agriculture”, emphasis Simon. He further said that, if we change the concept around it and make it more fun and desirable, then surely more young people will get involved. Simon also applauded schools that have “school gardens”, as they enable learners to gain first practical basic application of agriculture especially in the area of crops.
According to Simon, the secret to his top performing results is highly attributed to the type of mindset he have and his outward look towards life. “We need to change our mindset because true change begin within us. We need to change the way we think & the way we act”, says Simon.
Simon advised his fellow learners who didn`t make it, to rise up and try again. The top performer learner also gave out an open invitation to sponsors and good Samaritans out there, to help him further fund for his studies. He can be reached at: simonfrancisco69@outlook.com or +264813898687.