The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) and Huawei Technologies has announced the launch of the Namibia ICT Talent as well as the Digital Rural Plus Programme.
According to Nust corporate engagement and internationalisation acting director Nashilongo Gervasius, the announcement took place at the unveiling of the programmes at Huawei Headquarters in Beijing, China, during an official visit by Namibian president Nangolo Mbumba and his delegation this week.
The programme will provide scholarships to students from ten different tertiary institutions in Namibia, which will allow them to pursue advanced studies in information and communication technology (ICT) and related fields.
“The Namibia ICT Talent Programme will see Nust playing a strategic role in the education and upskilling of Namibia’s future ICT professionals and will be driven through the Huawei ICT Academy hosted at NUST, while also training over 1 000 students through a joint operation with the Ministries of Information Communication and Technology as well as the Ministry of Sport, Youth & National Service,” he said.
According to Gervasius, Huawei’s Digital Rural Plus Programme will introduce “smart classrooms” in rural areas by installing Huawei’s innovative idea-hub technology.
“This will enable remote education and ensure that students in underprivileged areas have the same access to learning resources as their peers in urban centres,” he says.
Nust vice chancellor Erold Naomab emphasises the importance of the global launch.
Naomab says the programme launch affirms the university’s leadership in ICT development and education, which plays a critical role in enabling the Namibian youth to drive digital economic transformation.
“As a leading educational institution, Nust is proud to be at the forefront of these developments.
“This collaboration underscores NUST’s ongoing mission to produce highly skilled graduates who can meet the demands of the global digital economy and contribute to Namibia’s socio-economic development,” he says.
Huawei Technologies managing director for Namibia Michael Zhang says the initiative is part of Huawei’s ongoing commitment to contribute to Namibia’s digital transformation, with a particular focus on youth empowerment and bridging the digital divide.
“These strategic partnerships and commitment is set to increase digital inclusion in Namibia and is a significant impact on the educational landscape of Namibia and beyond,” he says.
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