2016-12-13Staff Report 2 Windhoek Bogus training providers will soon be a thing of the past as the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) has actively implemented its audit function that will effectively enable it to assess whether such institutions consistently adhere to accreditation requirements by training providers and most importantly that teaching and learning take place at the appropriate level. As each academic year comes to an end, parents and guardians whose children sat for their Grade 10 and 12 final national examinations often fall prey to bogus educational institutions which rob people of their hard-earned cash. Namibian students who are thirsty for education but do not meet the requirements of the country’s leading accredited institutions of higher learning end up registering with unrecognised educational institutions through agents that charge them hefty sums of money to facilitate their admission. In the process these students end up being skinned by bogus education institutions, both locally and internationally, by charging them exorbitant amounts of money and making empty promises. The NQA chairperson Martha Mbombo who handed accreditation certificates to 13 training providers announced it has implemented its audit function, which will effectively enable it to assess whether training providers constantly adhere to accreditation requirements. The 13 accredited training providers bring the total number of such institutions to 44. Mbombo said this is one of the ways for NQA to ensure quality and standards are maintained within the training and education sector. Equally, she noted, empowering the public with information is critical to the NQA. Given the proliferation of bogus institutions locally and beyond, Mbombo said the NQA has embarked on a robust marketing drive aimed at educating the public while enhancing the institution’s visibility. In this regard, she said, NQA communicates with the nation using various platforms such as partaking in career fairs and trade expos in different parts of the country where they engage thousands of learners and parents. She called for accredited training providers to offer quality education. “We believe that an educated nation is stronger, more competitive, and has the capacity to increase productivity and innovation to build a resilient economy. This is directly linked to the purpose and relevance of education, not only for human development but also socio-economic sustainability. It’s crucial for Namibia as a nation to produce graduates who possesses the right skills to address current and future challenges,” Mbombo maintained. She further revealed that early this year the NQA made efforts to forge relationships with local and regional councillors who have become their partners in disseminating information to each and every region in the country. 2016-12-13Staff Report 2
