By Clemence Tashaya
EENHANA –The Eenhana Vocational Training Centre (EVTC) has conferred 214 trainees with certificates in five trades.
The Centre’s first ever graduation ceremony saw the conferment of Level 1, 2 and 3 certificates from five trades. Special Advisor to the Ohangwena Regional Governor, Usko Nghaamwa , Retired Major General Peter Nambundunga, brought the message of the governor. He said graduates should complement the government’s effort in harnessing technical human capital development for sustainable growth of the country’s industry. He said the graduates are key in the entrepreneurship and economic empowerment programmes which are being championed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry together with the Ohangwena Regional Council. He added that graduates should be highly knowledgeable and become agents of meaningful socio-economic transformation.
Nambundunga said vocational trainees are central in modern thinking and are responsible of various sectors as providers of future industrial aspirations. He urged trainees to go out and generate employment for other youths and themselves and to also use their skills and knowledge to bridge the gap in skills shortage or skills mismatch in Namibia, which inhibits growth, efficiency and effectiveness.Retired Major General Peter Nambundunga further called upon graduates to generate solutions to the challenges faced by all sectors in the economy.
“I am informed that 145of the graduates are females and 96 are males. This is good sign of gender balance that is in harmony with the government’s pursuit of gender equality,” he said adding that a number of developments aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the trainees at EVTC was being implemented, which included the recent assistance of the centre’s trainees with the support of equipment worth N $ 333 721 by the Ohangwena Regional Council.
“A group of six trainees from Joinery and Cabinet Making, Plumbing and Pipe Fitting and Welding and Metal Fabrication formed a company named, Okapale 3 which compiled a proposal and presented it to the Ohangwena Regional Council. We accepted the trainee’s proposal and awarded them project and construction of their workshop is underway at Ohandjombali community centre in Omundaungilo constituency,” he said
Namibia to become an industrialised country, needs artisans to realise her dream of Vision 2030, he said. “The government is ready to fund your studies through the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) and at the same time expand the opportunity of vocational education and training (VET) through all the legal vocational training institutions under National Training Authority (NTA),” he said
Contractors are busy expanding the Centre with additional staff offices, classrooms and the bulk storeroom. Plans are also underway to construct more workshops, trainees hostels and a recreational area. The NTA’s Manager for VTP Transformation, Albertina Heita, who was present at the ceremony also advised EVTC trainees to continue working hard to achieve their goals. “Whether you are studying further towards employment or creating your own small entrepreneurship, stay focused and think positively. Keep away from alcohol, drugs and unprotected sex. You must respect your elders and most of all you must fear God,” she said
“Government recognises the fact that vocational education is part of the dream for Vision 2030,” she said adding that prospects for improving competitiveness and economic growth can only be boosted by developing vocational education. Heita was pleased that EVTC, officially established in 2010 offering Level 1 Office Administration, Joinery and Cabinet Making, Plumbing and Pipe Fitting and Welding and Metal Fabrication, was now expanding with some Phase 2 construction underway. “We would like to call upon the industry to welcome and assist these trainees from Eenhana Vocational Training Centre with guidance, support and encouragement to stand on their feet as entrepreneurs, provide employment opportunities, sponsorship and give them in service and on-site training, coach and give them mentorship and financial discipline,” she urged
The ceremony also saw the Centre’s First Level 3 trainees graduating in Office Administration. Fifteen trainees graduated in Office Administration with Level 3 certificates.
The graduation ceremony was also attended by various VTCs Managers and staff, EVTC trainees, government officials, captains of businesses in the North, parents and members of the community, among others.