Salute to St Mary’s Odibo and Community

Dear Editor, I WRITE this letter to acknowledge and celebrate the relentless spirit of the teachers, pupils, and community members of the St Mary’s Odibo High School and community.

From 2016 to 2019, the matric pass rate was only around 45% each year.
But the pupils and teachers never gave up.

After conducting my own personal survey, I found something truly inspiring: In 2025 about 53.7% of those former pupils are now pursuing further education at universities, vocational training centres and colleges.

Another 17.8% are already employed. What is even more powerful is that many former pupils have created a network helping each other with job opportunities and support. It truly shows we are one big family.

St Mary’s continues to shine, not only academically but in other fields as well. One of its former pupils, Erika, even went on to become a Miss Namibia contestant.

St Mary’s has also produced local business owners like Talah Hashipala, showing the spirit of never giving up continues. As a former pupil myself, known to many as Tevez Kalawa, I am filled with gratitude.

I call on all former pupils from 2016 to come together and give back to the school and community that shaped us. We can make a real impact by hosting motivational talks and fund-raising events to help and inspire the next generation.

Lastly, I want to say a special thank you to meme Naambo, the beloved fat cake seller, whose presence and support meant so much to so many of us with her sweet fat cakes during our schooldays.

Let us not forget where we came from, let us uplift and sponsor those still walking paths we once travelled.
Listo Shonena, former pupil

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