HARD WORK PAYS!

I started school when I was 8 years in grade 1. When I turned 12 years I was in grade 5. I spent 1 year at cattle post looking after cattle and that time I was 13 years old. In my 14 years, I went to a different school where I was transferred back to grade 1 the grade which I passed already. That happened because of the language which I didn't know how to speak and it was a must to know that language before you go to the next grade.

I accepted it because I knew already that God will pave my way. I finished grade 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 again without any problem and I mastered the language that cause me to be transferred back to grade 1.

In my 15 years, I went to a different school again and my grade 1 teacher let me to skip grade 2 whereby I just went straight to grade 3 again. I was and still smart that I didn't fail up to grade 10. It was not easy for me because many have laughed at me. Calling me different names, spitting on my feet and also slapping me. Though I was treated like that by friends, I didn't give up going to school because I had good people pushing me forward.

I used to cry day-after-day, calling God to rescue me. After crying I used to take my books to go study in the bush where no human being sees me. When I look in my book, all I used to see are tears instead of letters. Those who knows me will tell you.

I used to sleep on my books during my studies asking God to answer my prayers. I went up to secondary school where I met more challenges for assignments of my studies and other assigned tasks such as Learners Representative Council for Sport, School Football Team Coach as well as Class Head. It was not easy for me because of all those loads.

I failed grade 12 with 25 points in 6 subjects and 23 points in 5 subjects. Here I blamed myself because I had accepted multiple assignments instead of just focusing on my studies. Some were happy because I failed!

I told myself that I have to go for supplementary for English and Business Studies. I had an E symbol in English from final examination before supplementary. After supplementary, I scored a D symbol in English and E symbol in Business Studies which was just 1 point added because I had an F symbol before supplementary.

I went to university and I was doing two courses at the same time of which I did well. I worked for many companies as a volunteer without even demanding them to pay me until they put me on a payroll. That was a blessing from God.

Today, I have established an educational college (G-Ngube Research Institute of Namibia) which aims to produce researchers in Namibia, and we don't have that in the land of the brave.

Today, I am giving motivational speeches to learners including those who were laughing at me, calling me different names, insulting me, beating me and spitting on my feet.

Today, I am employing graduates including my haters (people who taught me a lesson and have encouraged me to work hard towards the stage where I am now.)

This is not to entertain you, but to tell you that problems and challenges are there waiting for us.

Don't give up of your studies because there are those laughing at you. Keep your Faith in God. Choose good friends. Let your good work be their enemy.

Study, study, study hard for the betterment of your life, your family, your friends as well as the entire society in development.

Thanks be to God, my family and friends who have supported me and still supporting me today. My hat off for you.

- Gervasiu Taveuli