Jakob Marengo
Over 40 Years Of History
Our Founding & Early History
Jakob Marengo Secondary School was founded in 1985 by the KBV (Khomasdal Civil Association) with the aims of educating people from Namibia and surrounding countries for liberation. At inception the school had 65 students and by 1991 we had 250 students at two campuses.
Jakob Marengo Secondary School is registered as a Non-Profit Association Incorporated Under Section 21.
The name came from the Herero guerrilla fighter Jakob Morenga/ Marengo (1875 – 1907), he was known for planning multiple successful attacks with the Herero and Namaqua tribes against the oppressive forces in South West Africa.
Our Principles
Participatory Democracy
We believe that everyone can become a leader when given the tools and practical experience.
We believe that being taught leadership starts when one can practise their democratic rights. Our “TURMA System” was put into place for this exact reason.
Students can put in place practical lessons and learn from experience before setting foot in the larger scope of societal democracy.
Critical Thinking
Instilling critical thinking in students allows us to help develop young adults who can take a difficult situation and evolve it into a situation that favors them.
Teaching students is more than educational theory, learning to think on your feet and adapt is a highly valuable skill which builds a strong foundation for a successful future.
equality
In a diverse and global world the capability to accept everyone regardless of background, ethnicity, religion and gender are the building blocks to creating a better society.
We believe that this needs to be practiced actively in the students environment to end systemic discrimination.
Education for all
Providing quality education is a principle which we live by and were founded on.
Ensuring that students from various backgrounds, ethnicity, religions and genders have a safe and welcoming space to learn.
Responsiblity & Reciprocity
Are the ideals that you lead your life with intention and purpose. This includes treating others in a respectful manner and always treat others as you would like to be treated.
The intention is also to instil kindness and empathy in our students to build a better future where Ubuntu is no longer just a topic but rather a reality.
Self Discipline & Liberation
The ability to prioritise studies when necessary, manage time efficiently, and stay focused on academic goals without needing constant reminders from parents or teachers. Knowing the difference between what is truly important and helpful to them over what they want.
This is the intentional practice of freeing oneself from internal constraints—such as limiting beliefs, toxic habits or self-inflicted negativity—to gain autonomy and unlock ones full potential.
How We Govern
Turma System
"Instead of a Students' Representative Council, every student is responsible for a specific aspect of running the school. In this way, students learn that democracy depends on what they themselves put in. Democracy cannot be demanded; it must be earned." - Mrs Ottilie G Abrahams, Jakob Marengo Founder
Teacher's Role
Allow the students to think freely. Respect their opinions Respect students. Listen to concerns openly. Let students be responsible for their actions and to have pride in the system.
Students' Role
Respect the teachers, listen to guidance from teachers. Take responsibility of your actions, make informed decisions. Be active individuals at school. Have pride in the system.
Six Levels of Turma System
Responsible for the entire classroom and ensures that any issues the students might have within the class are further dealt with by bringing it up to a teacher/H.O.D./Management.
They also ensure that the classroom is ready for the teacher before they come in to teach. This Turma must double check that the teacher has all the necessary equipment he/she needs to teach with and notify the teacher when there’s a piece of equipment missing.
This Turma also assists the Maintenance Turma with keeping the classroom tidy.
They also ensure that the classroom is ready for the teacher before they come in to teach. This Turma must double check that the teacher has all the necessary equipment he/she needs to teach with and notify the teacher when there’s a piece of equipment missing.
This Turma also assists the Maintenance Turma with keeping the classroom tidy.
Classroom Turma
Teaches Students about Resource Management
Ensures that the entire classroom carries out their homework assignments as
instructed (deadlines, format etc.) and see to it that the teachers have marked
the homework that has been given.
This group also ensures that if a student doesn’t understand his/her homework the matter is taken up to the teacher for help or the help is given by the Turma to the troubled student.
This group ensures that academic excellence is maintained.
This group also ensures that if a student doesn’t understand his/her homework the matter is taken up to the teacher for help or the help is given by the Turma to the troubled student.
This group ensures that academic excellence is maintained.
Homework Turma
Ensures the learners keep up with Assessments
There to enforce all the school rules, from the dress code to registration period
(timelines) which is then reported to teachers/H.O.D’S/Management for appropriate action (e.g. detention).
Ensures that trouble makers are easily dealt with. This Turma deals with the HOD’s and the Head of Discipline by providing them with the names of the trouble makers/rule violators.
Ensures that trouble makers are easily dealt with. This Turma deals with the HOD’s and the Head of Discipline by providing them with the names of the trouble makers/rule violators.
Discipline Turma
Teaches learners about discipline, both as accused and accuser
This group is there to help communication between the students and the teachers, if a student has an issue with the teacher the Teacher Turma participants will take up the matter with the teacher or take it to the HOD’s for further assessment.
If a teacher is not in class for more than 10 minutes into the start of a session then the HOD’s, Principal or Director must be informed of this malpractice. This ensures that the learners are able to assist the teachers and learn about formal communication.
The teacher must been informed it’s class time.
If a teacher is not in class for more than 10 minutes into the start of a session then the HOD’s, Principal or Director must be informed of this malpractice. This ensures that the learners are able to assist the teachers and learn about formal communication.
The teacher must been informed it’s class time.
Teacher Turma
Teaches the students about Communication
This group ensures that the classroom is always clean, well-kept, tidy and
functioning. This Turma collaborates with the other Turma’s to ensure that their efforts
are not taken for granted.
This Turma along with The classroom teacher ensure that themselves and other students clean the classroom at least twice a week and ensures all chairs are on the tables when leaving the classroom.
They also report any damages (e.g. broken light bulb, broken window) in the classroom to their teaches/H.O.D.’S/Management so that repairs can be made
This Turma along with The classroom teacher ensure that themselves and other students clean the classroom at least twice a week and ensures all chairs are on the tables when leaving the classroom.
They also report any damages (e.g. broken light bulb, broken window) in the classroom to their teaches/H.O.D.’S/Management so that repairs can be made
Maintenance Turma
Teaches the students about maintanace & reporting
Responsible for any school arranged outing/activity which is not curriculum based.
The students, along with Extra-Mural Turma’s, arrange their own outings/activities and
bring this information to the HOD’s or Director for approval and financing where needed
and within means.
A school trip to the Walvis Bay aquarium to study aqua life and or to study the sand dunes in the Namib Desert.
A school trip to the Walvis Bay aquarium to study aqua life and or to study the sand dunes in the Namib Desert.
Extra-Mural Turma
Teaches learners about events planning
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Life @ Jakob Marengo!
"We are more than a school, We are a community!"
