The Namibian German Centre for Logistics (NGCL) hosted a handing over ceremony for scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for logistics and supply chain Master’s level students last week.
The scholarships are the driving force behind stimulating home-grown students and professionals to pursue logistics and transportation at Master’s degree level at the Polytechnic of Namibia. The total value of the scholarships is N$168 000 for six students. The event took place at the Hotel School of the Polytechnic.
The handover was hosted by the acting director of NGCL, Logan Fransman.
The rector of the Polytechnic of Namibia, Prof Tjama Tjivikua, who opened the event, emphasised the role and the importance of logistics, especially in Southern Africa.
“Developing the field of logistics in the region, both academically and practically, is essential and DAAD and the Polytechnic’s collaboration allows this to become a reality. The scholarships are a real sign of commitment by DAAD, as they have been for the last few years,” noted Tjivikua. He added that logistics is a vital aspect of the National Development Plan (NDP 4) of Namibia, and in that regard the sponsorship of the six high calibre students means they will be educated to a post-graduate degree level that will let them compete with logistics professionals internationally. “This all contributes to helping to lift logistics and transportation to a higher level in Namibia,” noted Tjivikua.
Also speaking at the event, Janntje Böhlke-Itzen, from the University of Flensburg and project director of NGCL, said; “The students who are receiving this financial assistance have proven that they are the best of the best. These scholarships will make their lives a little bit easier and allow them to focus on the essentials of the Master’s programme. It allows both the Polytechnic and the students to take advantage to pursue excellence in the field of logistics. We believe that if we truly want logistics to thrive and prosper in this part of the world, which it must, we must both build and grow excellence in this field. The students you see here today are truly the pillars of the development and growth of logistics in Namibia as an industry.”
The Namibian German Centre for Logistics has been a vital part of the Polytechnic and links the academic and private sector to develop skills in logistics.
Paulus Matheus, one of the recipients of the scholarships, said: “It is great to receive recognition for our hard work and have the opportunity to develop our knowledge, skills and interest in logistics with this scholarship programme. I really want to thank both the Polytechnic of Namibia, NGCL and DAAD for making this possible.”