ONGWEDIVA – A total of 281 female students graduated in vocational training at Ongwediva last Friday.
They were part of 465 students from three vocational training centres (VTCs) in the north, who graduated during the first-ever joint ceremony. Out of the 281 female graduates, 106 were from the Nakayale VTC, 76 from the Eenhana VTC and 99 from the Valombola VTC.
Speaking at the occasion, minister of higher education Itah Kandjii-Murangi highlighted that the government regards technical and vocational education as the most practical tool for acquiring readily-employable skills for the world of work.
“Namibia aims to have an education system that responds to industrial needs. Therefore, it
is important that our training institutions focus on the advancement of skills to see the needs of our industries,” she stated. Kandjii-Murangi said the graduation ceremony serves as a demonstration of the country’s commitment to the establishment of a vibrant technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector, as well as the development of TVET skills. “It is encouraging that the TVET programmes on offer are yielding a significant number of graduates, and that the education and training sector is growing in stature as a critical producer of the skilled workforce needed to drive productivity in the economy,” she added. She further observed that the 465 young women and men receiving TVET qualifications in a wide array of occupational areas have taken up their places amongst a growing community of competent and productive Namibians.
Ongwediva mayor Taraah Shalyefu said it is important to provide young people with competitive skills – not just to make a living, but also to find a profession and passion for what they do. “The joint graduation being hosted will create and provide for a better understanding of the hub concept, as well as strengthen the relationship between the three VTCs for the mutual benefit of the three regions and Namibia at large,” he noted.
Shalyefu said the graduates who are awarded the qualifications will not become productive citizens if they are not accorded the necessary exposure or opportunities in the workforce and the business world.
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