Six primary and pre-primary schools in Windhoek that took part in a recycling competition were awarded cash prizes for their best recycling initiatives.

The award ceremony took place at Otjomuise Primary School.

The school recycling competition programme is an effort by the City of Windhoek to raise awareness and encourage behavioural and attitude change among the learners.

The programme targeted 45 schools in low-income and informal areas.

A regional school debating competition held in Otjiwarongo has seen Okahandja Circuit A emerge as regional winners with gold medals and a floating trophy.

The regional competition saw three teams compete neck-and-neck on different motions about Marine issues sponsored by Namport.

Okahandja Circuit A team, made up of three learners from different schools in Okahandja, will now form part of the regional team to head to the national finals scheduled for next month.

Okahandja Circuit B won silver medals, and Otjiwarongo Circuit B secured the bronze prize.

The Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi says Technical and Vocational Education and Training have the potential to lower unemployment and alleviate poverty.

The minister says attempts to improve challenges faced by TVET programmes may dwindle should the perception held by youth, parents and community not meaningfully change. 

Kandjii Murangi's sentiments are contained in the Final Report for the second WorldSkills Africa competition which was held in Swakopmund last year.