OSHAKATI – The Minister of Education Dr David Namwandi says it is unacceptable that Namibia has to rely on South African formulated Level 3 and Level 4 vocational training courses.
Namwandi made the remark when he addressed staff of the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) and trainess of the Valombola Vocational Training Centre (VVTC) this week and suggested it is high time Namibia introduces its own training courses at all government vocational training centres. Namwandi convened an urgent meeting with the NTA, VVTC and students at the Oshakati Guest Hotel after learning that unhappiness is brewing at the institutions and that at least 28 automotive mechanic trainess were planning a demonstration, while trainess in hospitality were planning to boycott classes.
The automotive mechanic trainees claim they were allowed to register for the Level 3 course this year only to learn that the VVTC does not have manuals, machinery or building facilities for this level of training.
NTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Anna Nghipondoka told the trainess that government institutions do not offer Level 3, therefore it was wrong of them to demand a course that is not being offered at any other government vocational training centre in the country. However, the trainees were not swayed or placated and told Nghipondoka they are aware of at least two government vocational training centres that do offer Level 3 training. “We are well aware that Rundu and Okakarara offer Level 3 for automotive mechanics – we have our brothers and sisters there,” said one of the trainees.
Also, forty-seven hospitality students said there was no point in them attending classes, since there is no equipment or course manuals for their course. The hospitality course at all the vocational training centres is said to be sponsored by the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia (MCA), and study materials and equipment are supposed to be bought with MCA funds.
Namwandi advised the trainees to remain patient and not to boycott classes or hold any demonstration, and reassured them saying government cares for them and would find a solution to their problems. “But it is unacceptable that we continue to rely on South Africa. Level 3 and 4 should be introduced in our institutions as soon as possible,” said Namwandi. Namwandi was able to persuade the trainees to stay their action and promised that the NTA and the VVTC Interim Advisory Committee would work together to address the concerns of both groups of trainees.
Nghipondoka and the VVTC Interim Advisory Committee chairperson Tomas Iindji requested the VVTC management to undertake research to ascertain if other vocational training centres offer Level 3 training as claimed by the trainees and to report back so that remedial action can be taken. If indeed the vocational training centres at Rundu and Okakarara offer Level 3 training, the NTA would purchase the necessary equipment for the automotive mechanic course, while the VVTC Interim Advisory Committee also undertook to find premises outside the VVTC to be used as a workshop for the affected trainees.
Problems at the VVTC come a long way. Last year frustrated trainees who had reached the end of their tether locked up now suspended NTA Chief Executive Officer Maria Nangolo-Rukoro in an office during a visit that she paid to their campus in Ongwediva. She was later rescued by the police.
By Helvy Shaanika