Hard work pays off
The National Accounting Talent Search (NATS) recently held its 10th awards ceremony, where learners who competed in the October 2021 competition were recognised for their achievements.
The NATS programme, which aims to promote accounting as a profession, awarded 25 learners from various regions across Namibia in both the Ordinary Level (OL) and the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level.
Nine of the 25 were national winners, while the remaining 16 were regional winners.
AS level national winner Rupert Boois from the Outjo Secondary School told Youth Corner that being awarded as a national winner and being recognised as one of the best in the country proves to him that working hard pays off.
“It’s one of those feelings a person can’t describe. I didn’t expect this, but I’m loving the experience, and would always want to compete in events like this one,” he added.
Boois started participating in the competition when he was in grade 10, saying the thought of him being awarded a bursary or a scholarship really played a role in his decision to take part.
He encouraged those who didn’t make it to the finals to not give up, but rather to give it another chance.
“Don’t put limitations on your capabilities. At first I failed, and I tried again. If I could do it, what’s stopping you? Try to participate while you are in grade 10 already, so you can have experience by the time you reach grades 11 or 12,” Boois advised.
He is currently enrolled as a Bachelor of Accounting student at NUST.
NATS coordinator Sakeus Kapenambili explained the competition method at the ceremony, saying they involve regional education directors, senior education officers in charge of commerce, school principals, heads of commerce departments, and finally accounting teachers, who pass the information on to accounting students.
The NATS board picks two retired teachers or two teachers from different schools and regions to set the two distinct exams, based on the education ministry’s grades 11 and 12 syllabus. The School of Accounting at Unam is then in charge of moderating and marking the two tests, with the help of some Ernst & Young (EY) Namibia board members.