The National Youth Council (NYC) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at facilitating training programmes as well as providing internships and industrial attachments for students and trainees from both.
The MOA will allow the two parties to co-exist in the NYS' Rietfontein Training Centre, working on various projects to increase opportunities for youth and boost their readiness to partake in the Green Hydrogen Economic Opportunities.
The National Youth Service's Commissioner, Dr. Felix Musukubili, says that the Centre will host NUST, adding that at present, only 17% of its total capacity is being utilised.
"Some of the benefits include that trainees will have opportunities to articulate at high levels above what NYS offers, which are at the diploma and degree level. Ultimately, the centre will be a shared knowledge-based centre of excellence that will be able to attract and accommodate graduate trainees from other TVET colleges in the country. Moreso when they have to elevate their trade qualifications from level 6 and above. Further, the MOU will yield productive outcomes, including increased collaboration in TVET programmes, with a special focus on agriculture."
The agreement will also pave the way for NUST to relocate to a fully-fledged faculty with courses appropriate to the environment and space allocated, Musukubili says.
The NUST Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Erold Naomab, says the institution, in its expansion strategy, is prioritising the attainment of Vision 2030.
The planning document envisions a high-quality workforce able to eradicate poverty through the technical and vocational education and training sectors.
Dr. Naomab says NUST is positioned to drive regional development by attracting funding for the green economy, food, energy, and water nexus, and contributing to food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture through training models.
"The agreement gives meaning to the educational ideology. The fundamental idea is to create value that transmits knowledge to man. Reinfotein offers opportunities to NUST and NYS for research-intensive, innovative, and industry-driven value."