Marythar Kambinda
KATIMA MULILO – The Zambezi Vocational Training Centre recently conferred qualifications to 225 graduates in various trades.
The fields include horticulture, farm machinery, office administration, bricklaying, clothing production, commercial cookery, food and beverages, front office operations, joinery and cabinet making, plumbing, as well as welding at its graduation ceremony held at Kamunu Hall in Katima Mulilo last week under the theme, ‘Empowering the Youth with TVET Skills for Success’.
Keynote speaker, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation Nathalia Goagoses stated that the graduation ceremony marked a day of excitement, enthusiasm, achievement and accomplishment.
“It is a moment which marks a significant milestone in the lives of these young women and men who are to graduate today, as it signifies the closing of one chapter, which is the completion of their training on the one hand, and on the other hand, highlights the beginning of a new chapter, which is the journey from here into the world of work,” she said.
She added: “The TVET sector remains integral to our future competitiveness, the importance of creating jobs, especially the right jobs cannot be overstated. By empowering our youth with the skills they need, we can lift our communities out of poverty, empower thousands of women and young people, and build a strong and robust economy.”
She, however, stated that it is worrisome that 162 of the graduates are females with only 63 being male.
“Something needs to be done to encourage the boy child as they are being left behind,” she added.
Goagoses further stated that the theme ‘Empowering the Youth with TVET Skills for Success’ resonates with the national endeavour of the Namibian government to invest in the youth and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.
“Preparing for the future requires that we remain lifelong learners. The world is changing rapidly, and new technologies and industries are constantly emerging. The ability to adapt and upskill will be essential for your success as you step into this new phase of life. Let the skills you’ve acquired serve as a foundation. Acquire the necessary experience, upskill your qualifications, embrace lifelong learning and make preparation part and parcel of your ongoing journey,” said Goagoses.
Katima Mulilo Urban constituency councillor Kennedy Simasiku stated that “education is a journey that requires one to continuously gather new information, new skills, to improve on one’s capabilities on a regular basis, as what you know today will be obsolete in 15 to 20 years time. So, one is required to continually update new knowledge for you to remain relevant in the job market that awaits you”.
*Marythar Kambinda is an information officer at MICT Zambezi.