Five Rand Pupils Become Gemology-Conscious

Twenty pupils from the Five Rand Primary School in Okahandja’s Vyf Rand informal settlement got a glimpse of the world of gemology from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) through NamGem Diamond Manufacturing Company (Pty) Ltd in Okahandja last week.

Gemology is the science dealing with natural and artificial gems and gemstones. It is considered a geoscience and a branch of mineralogy. Some jewellers are academically trained gemologists and are qualified to identify and evaluate gems.

Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, coloured stones, and pearls. A public-benefit, non-profit institute, GIA is the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewellery. Students around the globe turn to GIA for the knowledge, skills and credentials that launch successful gem and jewellery careers.

Pupils from the Five Rand Primary School went through a gemologist programme with alumni and client relations manager of GIA, Elizabeth Bokaba, who instructed the programme.

GIA’s junior gemologist programme introduces young students to the world of minerals and the study of gems. GIA launched the junior gemologist programme in 2002 as part of its public benefit mission to disseminate knowledge and information about gemstones to the public.

The programme showcases gemology as a gateway for children to explore and deepen their understanding of the world around them, while developing an interest and excitement about earth science through geology and mineralogy.

For about four hours, the pupils engaged in an interactive workshop, providing an overview of geology, minerals, gemology and gemstones. The pupils practiced with basic gemological tools, using loupes, microscopes and penlights to examine gems and explore their characteristics.

The jolly pupils were inspired by the knowledge gained from the workshop. All pupils could be seen highly attentive and obeying instructions as they got their hands on some minerals. While learning how to use the tweezers, young Bezuindenhout Andima could not hide his excitement. “This is something we only get to see on TV. I have learned so much today and I am so happy. When I grow up, I want to become a scientist,” said the 13-year-old.

Another equally excited pupil was Botshabelo Motsang who saw the programme as an eye-opener. “I feel good because it is my first time to see gemstones. I learned the different characteristics of gemstones and things that one cannot see with the naked eye. However, when I grow up, I would like to become a lawyer,” said the 11-year-old pupil who is in Grade 5.

The programme was attended by the town’s mayor, Valerie Aron, who advised the pupils to take on the opportunity to their best advantage. “Only those who are serious in life get to make it to the top. Thus, you are the lucky ones afforded this opportunity out of thousands in Okahandja. Mark my words, if you are serious in life, you will go very far,” she emphasised.

The mayor was happy to applaud the programme, saying that it is a well-thought-out initiative. “The fact that these children are from Vyf Rand really reignites hope and efforts in educating our future leaders. If one looks at the bigger picture, this is a direct investment towards the future,” she said.

NamGem envisions promoting and strengthening Namibia’s diamond sector by making diamond education accessible to all Namibians, especially the youth, and by facilitating the entry into Namibia of global leaders such as the GIA, which is the standard-setter for the global polished diamond industry. This is the first GIA programme to be hosted by NamGem, prior to which GIA had no on-the-ground programmes in the country.

The focus of this programme was the broad world of minerals, in which Namibia is rich, with a specific emphasis on gems. NamGem and GIA believe that training in gemology serves as a gateway for the youth to explore and deepen their understanding of the world around them, while developing an interest and excitement about earth science through geology and mineralogy. “Not only do we want to be top in the country but we also want to promote diamond education. We also want to make pupils aware of minerals in their own country and open to careers that are not really known,” said Yoav Lavee, managing director of NamGem.

With a country rich in minerals, it is thus only fair that young people carry the knowledge of their wealth. Elizabeth shares the sentiment. “We have realised the richness of Africa in terms of minerals and Namibia is rich in gemstones. Through the junior gemologist programme, we want to instil the basic skills regarding gemstones. This will boost the country’s economy,” she said.

GIA’s junior gemologist programme is based on the same curriculum GIA uses in its rigorous graduate gemologist diploma programme, an internationally recognised and respected training programme for gem and jewellery professionals.

The free programme is taught at GIA’s campus headquarters in Carlsbad, California, in local-area schools, and offered in Africa through GIA locations in South Africa and Botswana. GIA provides everything needed to conduct the workshop, including all learning materials, tools and trained staff. To date, almost 40 000 children have participated in the programme worldwide.