Positive Changes in Arts Education in Namibian Schools (original) (raw)

The end of the most enjoyable academic challenge has arrived. Challenges, which hold educational enrichment, joy, and excitement. Though, I cannot close the academic journey without looking back to those who made it possible for me to complete the thesis journey. I owe an obligation of thankfulness to the several people who helped me along the way of the study. Thanks to the thesis committee for their patience and understanding. Also for generously giving their time and ability to improve my work. I also thank them for their contribution and their friendly support. Special thanks to my Course Director, Dr. José Carlos de Pair, and Dr. Catarina Silva Martins and Dr. Sílvia Simões. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and endurance. You made it possible to endure the language and distance barriers. Your support was tremendous and much appreciated. I am grateful to Dr. Paiva and Dr. Martins for the help and supervision of the organizational apprehensions that made it possible for me to complete my study over an enormous geographical distance. I need to thank many other people, my former Director, Mrs. Retha-Louis Hofmeyr and Mr. Calvin Martin. They had faith in me and allowed me to represent Namibia at International Arts Conferences and training. That contributes enrolling for the Ph.D. I appreciate my Director of Arts, Mr. Ervast Mtota who made it possible for the financial help through the state support program. My appreciation goes to Dr. Minette Mans, my mentor, for the encouragement and support. I thank Elma Bloedoog and Monalisa Awaras for assisting me with the data analysis. I also thank Bennett Khaibeb and Justina Nekongo for the encouragement and trust they showed in me. To my pillar of strength, Mr. J. A. N. Opperman, thank you for your care and motivation. A special acknowledgment to the teachers of the Volunteer Arts Focus Team, who worked with me. They were the pioneers to teach Arts. I appreciate your dedication and enthusiasm. vi My thanks also go to my dear friends Ivan Scheffers and Anna Shipiki. Each of you had encouraged me to finish when I thought it was not possible. Thank you for your incredible support and advice, Ivan. Special thanks to my supervisor, Dr. Teresa Torres de Eça. The inspiration for undertaking the study came from her invitation to attend an InSEA Conference. She encouraged me during the progress of the research. I have been fortunate to have her as my supervisor; someone blessed with patience and who got me on track. She got out the best in me and gave me the confidence I never knew I possessed. Besides going through many drafts and making valuable suggestions and comments, she helped me endure this long journey with her sustained encouragement. Above all, I would like to thank the most important people in my life, my family. My children and grandchildren, Linda, Beatrix, Petra and Daniel, Leandro, Daniella and Yasmine, thank you for the patience and for allowing me to neglect you.