A Namibian primary school teacher has captured international attention after her classroom safety lesson went viral, amassing nearly 10 million views on TikTok.
Grade 1 teacher Gelda Waterboer of Rogate Primary School in Otjiwarongo became an overnight sensation when a video of her teaching learners about personal safety spread across social media. The viral clip has not only resonated with audiences in Namibia but also attracted coverage from major South African broadcasters and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).
In an interview, Waterboer stressed the importance of educating children about safety from an early age, saying many learners only receive this guidance too late.
“Perpetrators often target young children who may not even recognise abuse as a problem, which makes it difficult to detect early. Teaching them at this stage can make a huge difference,” she explained.
Her approach has been praised for blending education with creativity, making crucial life lessons both engaging and memorable for her pupils.
