Imelda Munika
Letshego Namibia CEO Ester Kali has commended the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol) graduates for their determination and resilience in pursuing education to enhance their existing skills or acquire new ones, but reminded them to remain relevant in this ever-changing world.
Speaking during the institution’s graduation recently, she advised the graduates: “As you step out into the world, armed with a strong foundation built on knowledge, newfound abilities and a competitive qualification, remember that your journey of upskilling and acquiring knowledge has just started. The diploma or degree you are about to receive today has equipped you with a distinct skillset vital to the workforce or to start a business. To remain relevant, you must continue shaping those skill sets and learning skills to hone your talent”.
Namcol’s 22nd graduation ceremony took place on 14 September 2023 at the Namcol Nahas Angula Hall, Jetu Jama, in Windhoek, under the theme, ‘Upskilling for a brighter future’.
The hall was brimming with family members and graduates from various qualifications, including Community Development, Psychosocial Support, Early Childhood Development, Business and Entrepreneurship.
Namcol director Heroldt Murangi highlighted the remarkable improvement in the college’s academic performance and student development in recent years.
He emphasised the significance of graduation as a milestone for both students and their families, extending his congratulations to the graduates.
“We are currently busy with research for future new programmes, which include, amongst others: Monitoring and Evaluation; Leadership and Corporate Governance; Climate change; Retail Management; Data Science and Analytics; Renewable Energy; Procurement and Supply Chain Management; Sustainable Agriculture, and Project Management. We will also expand the scope for the open schooling programmes by introducing a bridging course to enable entry to the NSSC Ordinary Level as well as developing and implementing skills-related courses as part-time offerings within the open schooling initiative.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, education minister Ester Anna Nghiponoka emphasised the need for additional skills to secure a better future, stating, “As far as economic progression is concerned, the government wants to achieve inclusive, sustainable and equitable growth for the Namibian society. The Namibian economy aspires to change from an input-dependent economy into a knowledge-based economy”.
For the first series of graduation ceremonies held in April this year, the college witnessed 767 students, who obtained qualifications through tertiary and TVET programmes.
For this September ceremony, 303 students in 12 programmes graduated, bringing the total number to 1 070 for this year.
Another graduation ceremony is planned to take place in Ongwediva this week.