Speaker hails vocational training as equal pathway to success
…calls on private sector to assist govt efforts
- Eino Vatileni
Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on Monday commended the Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila Resource and Vocational School in Outapi for its commitment to providing inclusive education and creating opportunities for learners who may struggle in the mainstream education system.
Speaking during a visit to the school as part of her parliamentary outreach programme, which also coincided with the school’s belated commemoration of the Day of the African Child, the speaker praised the institution’s motto, “Retrieving Hidden Treasures,” saying it reflects the belief that every child possesses unique abilities and potential that can be nurtured and developed.
She described the school vocational education model, as a vital pathway to success rather than a lesser alternative to academic education.”This is not a lesser pathway. It is a different pathway and Namibia needs both. A nation is not built only by those who pass through university lecture halls. It is built also by those who can frame a roof, prepare a meal that nourishes a hundred people, manage an office with precision, or fit a joint so that it holds for a generation,” the speaker said.
she added, “This school produces exactly that kind of capability, and it deserves to be spoken of with the same respect we extend to any other centre of learning.”
School principal Mrs. Emillie Iita said the school offers mainstream curriculum from Grades 5-7. with learners who successfully meet the required competencies are transffered to mainstream schools to continue with Grades 8-12.
The princiapl added that learners who requirean alternative pathway are enrolled in the school’s two-year Basic Pre-Vocational Skils Course, where they are introduced to woodwork, welding, fashion and clothing, office practice, and food preparation.
From there, those who wis h to advance further may proceed into nationally accredited training under the Namibia Training Authority, in joinery and cabinet making, hospitality, or office administration.
“We are proud to have produced approximately 542 graduates, many of whom are making meaningful contributions in the job market while others have furthered their studies at vocational training institutions across Namibia,” Iita said.
‘SUPPORT GOVT EFFORTS’
The speaker also visited the Outapi District Hospital in the Omusati region as part of her outreach programme, which seeks to engage communities, assess public service delivery and monitor the implementation of government programmes.
During the visit, hospital management briefed the speaker on the institution’s operations and key challenges, including a recent increase in malaria cases, overcrowding with the majority of patients reported to be Angolan nationals.
The speaker toured various sections of the hospital, where she engaged with healthcare workers and patients to gain first-hand insight into the conditions under which services are being provided.Speaking during the visit, the Speaker said the outreach programme enables her office to interact directly with communities, understand the challenges they face and assess the effectiveness of public programmes on the ground.
She commended the hospital’s workforce, describing it as a motivated and youthful team that remains committed to overcoming challenges and ensuring the continued delivery of quality healthcare services.The Speaker further called on the private sector and individual citizens to support government efforts in addressing the challenges facing communities, stressing the importance of collective action in advancing national development and improving the well-being of the people.
