Star Teacher of the Week

Leandrea Louw This week, the My Zone Star Teacher of the Week is Mrs Veneza Memory Rheeder. She has been a teacher since 2003 and is a grade seven English teacher at !Nara Primary School in Walvis Bay. She is the current head of department for English and Afrikaans for grades four to seven and she is the overseer for life skills and home ecology for senior primary. From 1 November she will be joining Westside High School as their new principal. My Zone asked Ms Rheeder a few questions. 1. Why did you become a teacher?My love for children and the determination to impact lives. 2. What were your aspirations when you were younger? I always wanted to become successful in life, make my mother proud and live a purpose-driven life. 3. What did you want to be when you grew up? I was very indecisive, but I always knew that I wanted to make it against all odds. 4. What motivates you every day to get up and go to work? Autonomy: The urge to be in control of my life. Mastery: The urge to become a better version of myself. Purpose: Knowing and realising that God ordained me for a greater purpose, which is to make an unrivalled contribution to the education sector. 5. What are your challenges and how do you overcome them? A life absent of challenges, obstacles or failures may sound like a fallacy, but in life adversity it is not only inevitable but also necessary if we were to aspire to become our very best self. Some challenges in my way: Not granting myself any space to rejuvenate, existential crisis, toxic relationships and over-commitment.How I overcome my challenges: I hush, I pray over it and trust God’s will. I embrace life as it is rather than I wish it to be and rather focus on positives by counting my blessings. Lastly, I practice resilience daily. 6. What are your biggest lessons you have learned from your learners? Be unapologetically you. Diligence is rewarding. Patience is a virtue. Never let anyone wear your lenses in this journey called life; fear is an illusion; life is subjective. Perspective is beautiful thing, grudges cause pain; let go and let God. 7. What are your talents? Analytical thinking, emotional intelligence. Nail art – I am a professionally trained Bio Sculpture Nail technician, culinary skills and mentoring. 8. What are you passionate about? Piety: My personal relationship with my Creator. Myself: I am a constant work in action; I do introspection daily. Episteme: The infinite thirst for powerful knowledge. 9. What do you love to do in your free time? Spending time with my children, doing shopping as if I won the lottery, cooking for my family and friends, treating myself to a manicure and pedicure and rearranging my closets. What is your favourite book? Currently, I am reading a book gifted by my child, ‘Reflections from the Heart’ by Rolene Strauss. Favourite song: I am a fanatic of soul soothing music. However ‘Rise Up’ by Andra Day is my dedication to my children and ‘Holy Spirit’ by Meddy reminds me daily of God’s work in me. Favourite colour: Burgundy Favourite place to visit in Namibia: My mother’s home; so many memories I cherish and I wouldn’t want to trade it for anything better. Dream car: Any upgrade, preferable SUV type, with more comfort and space.

Star Teacher of the Week

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-02

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Star Teacher of the Week

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-02

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