WINDHOEK – The Minister of Education, Dr David Namwandi, announced plans to introduce a reviewed and revamped basic education curriculum which will introduce a thirteenth grade and embrace vocational training as part of the teaching system.
The new curriculum will be implanted from January next year, starting with Grade Zero to 13, to cater for both academic and vocational training.
“Currently there is a perception by the public that if you do not have a university degree you are a reject. In my view that is wrong. Research around the world shows that only 25 percent of students or learners who go through formal education are academically inclined, the remaining 75 percent is more technically orientated,” Namwandi elaborated.
Apart from reviewing the curriculum and adding Grade 13, which is an advanced level, Namwandi said there is a need for secondary schools dedicated to vocational training, adding that vocational education and training is important to enable young people with special needs to focus on that area.
“Individuals with vocational training skills not only create employment for themselves but they also create employment for others.
“The curriculum must respond to our national needs, our ideals and aspirations,” said Namwandi.
He added that economies are not only built by academics alone, hence the need to aggressively invest in vocational training.
“We are not capable as a nation to do this alone; we need to rub shoulders with friends around the world,” Namwandi told New Era.
The minister had just returned home from Germany and Turkey where he had the opportunity to study the various vocational and technical systems in the two countries.
“I was very satisfied. We now have to compile a proper submission to Cabinet to spearhead the establishment of either community colleges or vocational training colleges. We can opt to establish new vocational centres or strengthen those in existence.”
During his visit the minister held talks on development cooperation with German officials and, as a result, the German government increased their support and contribution for the promotion of Vocational Education and Training (ProVET).
This will help enhance support and training equipment support, capacity building particularly on upgrading, upskilling and training of VET teachers, pedagogical exchange and twinning programmes, as well as support for the implementation of a training levy and training equipment for people with disabilities.
In Turkey, Namwandi signed a memorandum of understanding with his counterpart, aimed at developing education on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefits to promote relations and mutual understanding between parties.
By Patricia Heitha