‘Vocational training key to global competitiveness’ Itah Kandjii-Murangi

THE minister of higher education, training and innovation, Itah Kandjii-Murangi, says robust technical and vocational education and training (TVET) will guarantee Namibia and Africa a “rightful seat” in the global economy.

“In an increasingly competitive global environment, the contribution of TVET in enhancing the levels of self-confidence of individuals in becoming productive citizens should not be underestimated.

“Knowledge, technical skills and the ability to align and harness ideas are the cornerstones for a vibrant and competitive economy,” Kandjii-Murangi said at official launch of next year’s WorldSkills Africa Swakopmund (WSAS) 2022 competition at Swakopmund recently.

The event is scheduled to take place from 28 March to 2 April 2022 at Swakopmund’s The Dome.

WorldSkills Africa 2020-2022 is a series of capacity-building workshops with a skills competition.

So far, a total of 127 competitors and 113 experts from 13 African countries have registered to compete in different skills areas, such as construction and building technology, manufacturing and engineering technology, information and communications, social and personal services, creative arts and fashion, and transportation and logistics.

The event will include an international conference themed ‘Promoting Skills Development in the 21st Century for Sustainable Economic Growth and African Ownership’.

A career exposition component will be aimed at introducing pupils to viable technical and vocational career options.

WorldSkills Namibia aims to promote the benefits of and need for skilled professionals through grass-roots community projects, skills competitions and knowledge exchange.

Kandijii-Murangi at the launch said the event also aligns with Namibia’s national long-term strategic endeavor to leverage the potential of the technical vocational education and training sector.

European Union (EU) ambassador to Namibia Sinikka Antila said the event is an important step towards the recognition of TVET as a major factor in socio-economic development.

The EU, with the German development agency GIZ donated N$8,6 million towards WorldSkills Swakopmund 2022.