RUNDU – The Ngato Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) has launched a free, short vocational skills training programme, to empower the local community.
The initiative is aimed at equipping participants with practical skills they can use to generate income.
Around 20 beneficiaries recently attended two-week courses, where they received training in areas such as counselling, agriculture, solar systems installation, general electrical work and clothing production.
“This is our community training initiative to empower people through skills development,” said centre manager Maria Shitaku. “Our goal is to help community members gain foundational skills as a stepping stone towards full qualifications. We also assist youth interested in further education through registered and accredited institutions.”
Trainees who complete these short courses are supported to pursue Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), allowing them to obtain formal qualifications based on their experience and the skills they have acquired.
NIST founder John Fernando highlighted the value of these short courses. “A certificate is a symbol of achievement, whether the training lasts an hour, a day, or a few weeks. Some people say short courses are not valuable, but here, participants gained skills they can immediately use and can build on to reach the next level,” he said.
Fernando added that short courses can also help students gain admission to full qualifications even with low secondary school marks. “They act as a stepping stone, building skills and experience that can make a real difference when pursuing further training,” he explained.
For some participants, the courses provided an opportunity to enhance existing skills. Plagius Mukoya from Ndama West, a Level 4 electrician, attended the solar system installation course to expand his knowledge. “I usually do solar installations, and this course allowed me to step up in my field. I now know how to register as an accredited solar installer with local suppliers, who can also recommend clients,” he said, encouraging others to take up these courses.
Elfriede da Silva from Rundu’s Kehemu locality said the course had given her the skills she had been seeking. “I learnt a lot and can now apply that in my backyard garden and share these skills with others. This has given me hope that I can make a living and even expand my garden,” she said.
The NIST, also known as Ngato Vocational Training Centre (NVTC), offers training in electrical work, building and plastering, welding, solar installation, and more.
It was founded by Fernando with the aim of empowering the youth by providing accessible, community-based training that supports self-employment and job attachments with local industries.
-jmuyamba@nepc.com.na