OUTJO – Freddy Kaukungua, the marketing and information officer at the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol), says Namcol is not just for subject upgrading, but also a tertiary learning institution.

“Anyone can study their degrees, honours and postgraduates with us. We are at this career fair to inform young people about Namcol as a choice of study institution,” Kaukungua said during the Kunene Regional Career Fair held at Outjo Secondary School on Tuesday.

In an interview with Nampa, Kaukungua said the perception people have of Namcol is that it is only for upgrading subject scores.

“We need to move away from that perception. Namcol still does subject upgrading for those who want to improve their grades, but that is not all that we do,” Kaukungua said.

He said Namcol also offers the tertiary arm, where people can do their diplomas, certificates, and degrees.

Kaukungua further explained that Namcol’s admission points are slightly lower and accessible.

“There should be no fear that Namcol offers inferior courses and products. We offer the same value as other big institutions in the country,” he said.

Kaukungua was one of the exhibitors at the regional career fair organised by Kunene’s directorate of education, arts and culture.

Kunene regional school counsellor Aili Kapolo, who organised the event under the theme ‘Dream it, Do it, Achieve it’, emphasised the importance of sensitising learners early to all the available career courses to assist in their decision making.

“If the process of career guidance is offered as early as possible, learners have a better idea of the possible suitable study directions and the required minimum requirements that should be met to enter the relevant university,” Kapolo said.

Kapolo stated that due to the region’s poor performance in the national examinations last year, they hope to inspire learners to do well with the help of career fairs. She also said the lack of career advice in Namibian schools places great limitations on the youth in accessing information that could guide them in career path selection while at school.

– Nampa