THE just-promoted minister of education, David Namwandi, has presented a trophy and equipment worth N$30 000 to the Erongo Region as the best performing region in last year's final school examination.

The Ministry of Education in partnership with Standard Bank Namibia hosted the academic excellence awards ceremony in Windhoek yesterday, where the performance of regions and individual schools was recognised.

Namwandi also handed over a trophy, equipment and textbooks worth N$25 000 to the Namib High School as the best state school in the country.

Christof van Zijl won N$10 000 as the best overall National Senior Secondary Certificate full-time student in five higher-level subjects.

St Boniface College, a Roman Catholic Church school 30km east of Rundu in the Kavango Region, which was ranked the best-performing school in Namibia for the eighth consecutive year, walked away with the overall best school in JSC Grade 10 as well as overall best school in National Senior Secondary Certificate or Grade 12.

In 2010, nine St Boniface pupils were among the country's ten best Grade 12 performers; five in 2011; and seven last year.

Namwandi encouraged the top students not to compromise the bright future they have started.

"I encourage you to further your education with courage. Reach for the stars! Let the sky not be the limit. Remember, commitment simply means to deliver what you have promised yourself, your parents and the nation at large.

"You are now at the bottom of education ladder, ready to move up step by step with dedication and redoubled stamina. However, you are likely to face new challenges and new learning environment in the years ahead," Namwandi said.