Oshana to construct school of computing

THE Directorate of Education in Oshana region is planning constructing a school of computing at Oshakati.

The school will provide pupils a wide range of hands-on learning experiences – both inside and outside the classroom.

During the school’s groundbreaking ceremony last Tuesday, the directorate said it plans to construct a block of four classrooms, a storeroom, and ablution facilities worth N$1,5 million during the first phase of construction.

Officiating at the event, minister of information and communication technology Peya Mushelenga said Harambee Prosperity Plan II embraces the concept of industrialisation through information and communication technology (ICT).

“There is no better time to study computing, and there is no secondary school of computing in Namibia.

“This would be the first of its kind. The government of Namibia, through the policy of information technology adopted in 2008, recognises the need to be part of the global information society and the crucial role of ICT in economic growth.

“This makes it imperative for computer science education to be expanded in schools,” he said.

Mushelenga called on all stakeholders and the business community in the region to be reminded that education is a collective responsibility, and they should therfore join hands to give the directorate technical and financial aid to complete the envisaged state-of-the-art school.

“The school will give pupils the opportunity to be exposed to advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, 3D printing, genetic engineering, and quantum computing, among others.

The school would further provide pupils opportunities to overcome challenges and utilise opportunities brought about by the fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.