San student: A diploma is just the beginning

Zebaldt Ngaruka GOBABIS – Frans Boeppens will continue furthering his studies past the diploma level after he graduated recently at the University of Namibia (UNAM)’s Southern Campus. The 26-year-old from the marginalised San community, hailing from Omaheke, obtained a Diploma in Junior Primary Education (DJPE) and still has a desire to study and achieve big things in education. Even though there are no clear statistics of San graduates from Unam, there are individuals who are San students obtaining degrees in law, agriculture and teaching fields, among others. Simon Namesho, Unam’s spokesperson, said there are about nine San students from the university this year, among them Boeppens. Boeppens told New Era in an interview that he will be studying beyond a diploma level to enhance employability and unlock senior management roles. “Studying further will deepen specialised knowledge, and this diploma is just a starting point to bigger qualifications ahead. The gates are now open for the bachelor’s, honours and master’s degrees,” he confidently said. With the government’s 2026 free tertiary education initiative for assisting up to level 8 studies, Boeppens opined that the advanced qualifications will offer better incentives and prospects and, in some cases, international recognition in education. The graduate said he chose to teach a diploma because he got a strong desire to inspire and support learners in their education. He is currently a Khoekhoegowab teacher at Blouberg Primary School and finds it rewarding to help learners understand new concepts and build their confidence. “Teaching allows me to make meaningful impact while also growing personally and professionally,” he said. Furthermore, Boeppens’s journey in completing his current studies was not an easy one. It was coupled with challenges here and there. The DJPE course is designed to take three years, but it took him seven years to complete it. “I faced challenges, including failing a prerequisite module and enrolling and dropping out twice in 2022 and 2023 while trying to complete it,” he said. Despite these setbacks, Boeppens remained determined, returned to Unam in 2024 on a full-time basis, and continued up to 2025 to complete his studies. The graduate also faced financial difficulties and relied on his siblings’ social grant as his only support since both his parents are unemployed. His studies were supported by the Office of Prime Minister under the division of marginalised communities from 2019 to 2021. Boeppens was fortunate to be given a second chance after dropping out in between. “I was funded again from 2024 to 2025 despite my setbacks, which helped me to complete my qualification. Delays in receiving allowances also made things difficult; nevertheless, I stayed committed and completed my studies,” he said. His other priority is to become a dedicated teacher who uplifts young learners, especially in marginalised communities. He further encouraged other San learners to stay focused on their education and never give up, as perseverance and hard work lead to success. “Please take your studies seriously, because education empowers individuals, builds confidence, and opens opportunities to improve communities,” he advised. His mother, Elsie Boeppens, is the most influential person in his career, as she has consistently supported him in every way possible. “My mom always encouraged and motivated me to pursue my goals. My father, Willem Askoek, also played an instrumental role in my upbringing,” he acknowledged. – zngaruka@gmail.com