Gobabis VTC boasts state-of-the-art equipment
The German government invested N$32.8 million into the construction of three new training workshops at the Gobabis Vocational Training Centre (VTC).
Construction started in June 2019 and was completed in 2021.
According to Andreas Götze, the deputy head of missions for Germany to Namibia, that government’s efforts have gone a long way in supporting the focus that builds the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector in Namibia.
"At Gobabis VTC, a total investment of N$32.8 million has been made to construct three new training workshops for automotive and mechatronics, welding and metal fabrication, and leather craft and fashion technology.
“The total investment includes N$1.2 million for an ablution facility and a small workshop for a Cosdec centre," he said.
He hinted that a 75-kilowatt PV solar system will also be donated to the VTC in coming months as part of Germany's goal of achieving energy efficiency.
Since 2012, Germany has pumped resources to the value of N$442 million into the TVET sector in Namibia and will continue to inject funds of up to N$104 million until December 2024, Götze added.
Take responsibility
During her keynote address, higher education, technology and innovation minister Itah Kandji-Murangi said the TVET sector "should not be found wanting".
"A responsive and industry-relevant TVET sector strands central in overturning our unemployment challenge - one of the biggest stumbling blocks toward a modern economy," she said.
Namibia Training Authority (NTA) board chairperson Amon Ngavetene highlighted that the inauguration of more infrastructure at Gobabis VTC serves as a demonstration of strong values by the higher education ministry and the NTA.
"For this reason, I call on the residents of Gobabis to take full responsibility for this building and to take care of it.
“Together we are continuing to implement more such projects aimed at expanding the TVET footprint to all parts of our country," he said.
Grateful
Automotive student, 24-year-old Emily Mupeu, said the new workshops are a milestone in the quality of learning at Gobabis VTC.
"I chose to study automotive and mechatronics because it is interesting and also because I have some background [in the field].
“The quality of our equipment now helps a lot with practical and visual learning. We are so grateful," she said.
Construction started in June 2019 and was completed in 2021.
According to Andreas Götze, the deputy head of missions for Germany to Namibia, that government’s efforts have gone a long way in supporting the focus that builds the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector in Namibia.
"At Gobabis VTC, a total investment of N$32.8 million has been made to construct three new training workshops for automotive and mechatronics, welding and metal fabrication, and leather craft and fashion technology.
“The total investment includes N$1.2 million for an ablution facility and a small workshop for a Cosdec centre," he said.
He hinted that a 75-kilowatt PV solar system will also be donated to the VTC in coming months as part of Germany's goal of achieving energy efficiency.
Since 2012, Germany has pumped resources to the value of N$442 million into the TVET sector in Namibia and will continue to inject funds of up to N$104 million until December 2024, Götze added.
Take responsibility
During her keynote address, higher education, technology and innovation minister Itah Kandji-Murangi said the TVET sector "should not be found wanting".
"A responsive and industry-relevant TVET sector strands central in overturning our unemployment challenge - one of the biggest stumbling blocks toward a modern economy," she said.
Namibia Training Authority (NTA) board chairperson Amon Ngavetene highlighted that the inauguration of more infrastructure at Gobabis VTC serves as a demonstration of strong values by the higher education ministry and the NTA.
"For this reason, I call on the residents of Gobabis to take full responsibility for this building and to take care of it.
“Together we are continuing to implement more such projects aimed at expanding the TVET footprint to all parts of our country," he said.
Grateful
Automotive student, 24-year-old Emily Mupeu, said the new workshops are a milestone in the quality of learning at Gobabis VTC.
"I chose to study automotive and mechatronics because it is interesting and also because I have some background [in the field].
“The quality of our equipment now helps a lot with practical and visual learning. We are so grateful," she said.
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