Windhoek — "I am really breathless," was the first reaction of Ivaza Tjijaundja, a grade nine learner at the Waterberg Junior Secondary School near Okakarara in the Otjozondjupa Region.

Ivaza is a member of the 23-person strong choir of the school that last week visited the capital including the new State House, the very structure that left Ivaza breathless for its sheer design if not massiveness.

Ivaza and company were not only left speechless by what they saw in the capital but somehow they have been re-motivated to study hard and one day assume one or the other positions in State House, at Hosea Kutako International Airport, as well as contribute to vast knowledge in the various socio-economic spheres of the country, especially the environment.

Observing the mystery of aeroplanes taking off and landing was just enough for Joree Hepundjua to see herself becoming a pilot herself one day. Until now, she has been wanting to become a dentist. However, she now seems torn between becoming a pilot and a dentist. But for now she is happy to sleep over the matter well aware that for now her ambitions can only be realized if she studies hard.

Ivaza wants one day to have a feel of any chair in State House if not that of the President. "It is someone who leads the country and her people so that the people can work together so that the country can develop," she gives her understanding of what a President is. She also realizes that her dream can only become true if she takes school seriously.

For Zed Tjiuiju, a Grade 10 learner and one of few remaining founders of the school choir, the Habitat Centre performs wonders by recycling old and discarded material into finished products. It has never occurred to him that any waste, even human waste, can be useful.

Despite seeing various places in the capital, the choir also recorded their first ever 19-track gospel compact disc (CD) that is due for release in a fortnight. The choir, the brainchild of former teacher at the school, Bruno Dicothle, now seems destined for great times with the release of their first CD.

The choir saw a brief decline following the departure of its initiator, Bruno.

However, soon other teachers realised its potential and put hand to the plough. Already this year the choir has palmed in two awards in the Okakarara Senior Secondary School and the Okakarara Talent Show competitions.

Courtesy of the Diekman couple of the Ohamakari Hunting Farm near Okakarara, the choir has become a regular on the farm, entertaining tourist and hunting guests. Sabina Diekman is its patron and the benefactor of the recent tour by the choir born partly out of its own achievements like the prize they won. She also facilitated the recording of the CD. Tjiurikouje Mupe now conducts the choir.

The tour also saw them visiting the Windhoek Show and the National Museum but could not get to Heroes Acre as planned due to a schedule that turned out to be tight.

Kambanda Veii, a teacher at the school led the tour while Mbatjavi Kaeka availed his truck at an affordable rate to the school. Others who facilitated the tour were the Office of the Prime Minister, Namibia Breweries that availed 15 crates of cool drinks, the NBC Otjiherero Language Service that allowed the learners to see a broadcasting studio and the International Youth Hostel staffers with their hospitality and of course the Diekman couple. Last but not the least the learners for their good behaviour during the tour.