Founder, executive director and principal of Amazing Kids Private School and Academy in Windhoek, Emma Kakona is an ordinary Namibian who has worked hard and gained recognition as one of the most influential people on the African continent.
This recognition comes from CEO Global, based in Johannesburg, which acknowledges men and women across the continent for their contribution in business or government.
Born in Karasburg, Kakona is the last born of six children. Married to Richards Muhanduzi Kakona whom she met at the University of Namibia (Unam) during her studies, Kakona is raising five children, inclusive of two biological sons: King Kakona (23) and Libuto Kakona (12).
And while she continues to make an impact, locally and globally, she still speaks with excitement about the numerous awards she scooped during her varsity years at Unam and the University of South Africa (Unisa) which include Best Second Year and Best Final Year student in the Faculty of Education at Unam in 1991 and 1992.
Kakona boasts 23 years ‘experience in both private and public education and regards herself as an educator, leader, trainer and motivational speaker. There is no doubt she is pivotal to the success of the school, evidenced by her servant-leadership ethos.
“I serve, lead, manage, educate, empower, train, counsel and mentor. My passionate call as educator, vast rich experience in both private and government education enables me to be a positive influence to everyone in particular girls and women,” she said.
“Individuals are not defined by their backgrounds, skin colour and creed – we are all geniuses, we just need to claim it through our will power and cement it with dedication and diligence,” she says wisely.
“My positive energy taps into the brilliance in each child, educator and community member,” she says.
Kakona describes herself as a very hard worker with a strong sense of faith.
She believes in doing her best in everything and lives by the Bible verse from Ecclessiates 9:10: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all you might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”
“My love for God and passion for education and community shaped my career. This is how I ended up in the field of education in 1990.”
Kakona has worked at St George’s Diocesan School as the Grade 1 to 7 mathematics coordinator.
“During my tenure we scooped numerous mathematics awards in regional competitions.”
She also worked at Khomasdal Primary School for two years and enjoyed a brief stint at Oranjemund Private School.
“Since 1998, I was engaged in private tutoring on a part-time basis from home with additional Namibia College of Open Learning (Namcol) tutoring.”
“Amazing Kids Private School and Academy started as a passionate vocation,” she says. “The vision was developed and the idea of a Christian school with a difference developed when the number attending after-care grew.”
The school officially opened its doors in 2007 in Windhoek North before moving to a location in Windhoek West between 2008 and 2012.
“Eventually we moved to our modern 21st century campus in Cimbebasia in 2013. Today, the school boasts 1 000 pupils from Grades 0 to 12. In 2017, we opened Campus Two in Windhoek West. Within our short existence Amazing Kids has proven that everything is possible with God through the holistic growth of our learners and the numerous national and international accolades awarded to the school since 2011.”
The school is an e-learning facility equipped with 21st century educational equipment which offers 100% bursaries to orphans and vulnerable children from Namibia children’s home, Dolam and Orlindi.
It has been ranked among the top 30 infrastructural schools in Africa by Cambridge in 2013. In 2014 and 2015, Amazing Kids was rated the Best JSC Private School in the Khomas region, and boasts 2016 Best Primary and High School Khomas Science Fair projects and 2017 Best Overall Primary School Science Fair awards. It continues to be one of the top 10 regional and top 20 national NSSC and NSSCO performing schools in the country, as well as top five primary schools in the Khomas region.
Like any other journey, especially one of such magnitude, challenges are never-ending, says Kakona. Whether it is infrastructural challenges or social challenges that have a daily impact on the lives of pupils.
Kakona attributes her successes to her faith and commitment to her creator.
“Have faith, work hard and fetch your dream. Ecclesiastes 11: 1 says ‘Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.’
Kakona also believes in the values of honesty and a strong work ethic.
“Work while others sleep. Respect all and never settle for less than your best.”
These are some of the keys she holds on to during her journey and to which she owes her success.
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