Elizabeth Hiyolwa
NKURENKURU – Kavango West last weekend hosted its first regional career fair organised by the office of the governor in collaboration with the Kavango West Regional Development Fund (KWRDF).
The purpose of the event was to create a platform for students and learners in grades nine to 12 and those who completed high school but still sit at home, to be informed about the various courses offered at institutions of higher learning and institutions that offer financial support to students.
The region realised that most of our learners do not apply to institutions of higher learning and institutions/organisations that provide funding opportunities, because of lack of information.
Kavango West’s directorate of education, arts and culture in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Rundu Vocational Training Centre and Student Career Fair Association had a two-week regional school career guidance tour programme earlier in August.
They visited schools with the aim of sensitising learners on areas of their interest to help them make correct choices in grade nine and post-secondary school.
The fair was officially launched by John Mutorwa, the Minister of Works and Transport, who is also the patron of the fund.
Mutorwa applauded all stakeholders for progressive commitment of helping to realise the ambitions behind the fund.
“It should be noted that this is very important to the education fraternity, as it gives room for the learners that are aspiring to further their studies to get funding opportunities and have a greater understanding to look into diverse career opportunities and make choices that speak to their taste,” he stated.
The Kavango West chief regional officer, Mpasi Haingura, urged Lifeskills teachers to guide learners to make career choices based on the needs of the country and the world at large and move away from traditional careers.
“Let this country not become an importer of skills, let us also start exporting skills in the long run,” he said, “that is why we are currently suffering structural unemployment in Namibia because education is not playing a critical role. We need critical thinkers.”
Governor Sirrka Ausiku said the number of learners who approach the fund for funding is too high and thus it is challenged to meet such a demand as the fund only relies on individuals who voluntarily contribute money to it.
She appealed for more institutions and individuals to join the battle by committing the little they can to support a Namibian child.
During the launch, individuals, entities and the business community made pledges amounting to N$65 000
towards the fund.
The fund was established in 2019, with the aim to ensure a supporting hand to already existing government efforts in bringing about positive change in the livelihood of the residents in the region.
The fund has thus far benefitted more than 10 learners, and donated furniture to Nkurenkuru and Sinzogoro Combined schools.