Marythar Kambinda
KATIMA MULILO – The Welwitchia Health Training Centre has branched out to Katima Mulilo where it recently opened shop.
Scholastika Iipinge and Monika Pendukeni founded the private higher education institution, which focuses on health, social and management sciences, in 2012.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Secretary to Cabinet George Simataa said because of their interest to empower communities, the Welwitchia Health Training Centre started a bridging programme for grade 12 learners to improve their points in 2018 and in June 2021.
“I urge you to maintain the highest teaching and learning standards, practicum and community engagement, registration and accreditation, as well as taking unique and innovative approaches to teaching,” stated Simataa.
“The development of human resources for health is critical within the country. This is especially true in this day and age of the Covid-19 pandemic, where more health workers, such as nurses, emergency care practitioners and others are needed.”
The institution has produced about 500 graduates since 2018. “It is pleasing to note that the institution has a firm staff base which is both qualified and committed to its vision and mission,” said Simataa.
“Due to the shortage of nurses locally, we have resorted to recruiting these cadres from outside our borders. I, therefore, commend Welwitchia Health Training Centre for its contribution to the development of the human resources base in our country through training.”
Simataa was, however, disappointed that despite the government’s efforts in procuring vaccines, most of the citizens still refuse to be vaccinated but instead preoccupy themselves with negative propaganda, which is spread through social media against Covid-19 vaccination.
Katima Mulilo mayor Lister Shamalaza thanked the management of the institution for ensuring that the dream of opening a training centre in Katima Mulilo is realised.
“This is a gesture that will be appreciated by the parents who are eager to enrol their children to be trained by the institution. This will lessen the amount paid for studying outside the region,” he said.