Kharas Region Governor, Aletha Frederick on Wednesday said stakeholders must work together to ensure that education systems are not only responsive but also proactive in addressing the needs of the labour market.

Frederick made the remarks during a consultative meeting in Keetmanshoop organised by the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) for the development of pathways for the technical, vocational, education, and training (TVET) sector in Namibia.

Frederick said the significance of establishing formal pathways and articulations within the TVET sector cannot be overstated adding that historically, there has been an overwhelming focus on formal education pathways, often leaving behind those who seek practical skills through vocational training.

‘This oversight has created barriers for many individuals who possess valuable competencies acquired through informal settings or non-traditional learning environments. This initiative is particularly vital for marginalised communities and persons with disabilities ensur
ing that every Namibian has equitable access to quality education and training opportunities,’ she noted.

She said education is not merely a pathway to employment but is a fundamental human right that fosters dignity, self-worth, and community development.

‘By working collaboratively towards enhancing our TVET framework, we can ensure that it serves as a robust foundation for personal growth and national progress. We have now the opportunity to shape a future where technical and vocational education is recognised as an essential pillar in our educational landscape and shape a future where every individual can thrive through accessible learning pathways tailored to their unique strengths,’ she added.

Speaking at the meeting NTA TVET standard manager Amon Haufiku said the TVET sub-sector continues to experience service challenges such as the lack of articulation between basic education, TVET community skills, mainstream TVET, and tertiary TVET.

‘There is limited access to people to acquire technical skills
through informal learning and the neglecting of informal and non-informal learning, there is an inadequate response to the industry needs, a fragmented TVET system with hybrid programmes being offered. These challenges exist because of the lack of a unified and coherent structure of education,’ added Haufiku.

Source: The Namibia News Agency