Distance learning a solution for many

The day-today hustle and bustle work and family life is often a deterrent to further one’s education, but many Namibians have found a solution through unique method of distance learning. Southern Business School (SBS) offers distance learning business courses that students can study at they own pace. “Our target is people who are already employed and working,” said SBS manager of academic and leadership development Albin Jacobs. Jacobs said they offer several bridging courses, especially for business managers who lack particular skills. “You might find an engineer who is a manager at a site, but has no human resource management skills, so they enrol with us.” The institution offers a range of qualifications, from certificates and to masters. “All qualifications are accredited by South African Qualification Authority, and the Namibian Qualification Authority recognises our qualifications,” he said. Jacobs said the courses are affordable and there some that other institutions do not offer, like disaster risk management. He said their courses are also industry-focused. The courses are supported by student week, smart board sessions, study guides and online support, where a student can download previous examination papers, tutorials, have online discussions and access a conversational blog. The school admits students twice a year - in January and June - and so far it has an intake of 1 500 students. Jacobs said they also offer extra short courses for capacity building, which last from two to nine days. He said participants accumulate credits toward a specific qualification. “We are known in the industry and we have organisations that fund students to study here, such as the ministries, mines and private and public companies,” he added. Jacobs said they also do in-house training. An organisation can enrol a group of their employees for a specific programme and the course is then offered in a block session. He said students can further their studies at other institutions of higher learning after completing SBS courses. Jacobs explained they also have employees from other tertiary institutions studying with them. A peer review of SBS is conducted on regular basis, with South African institution being invited to evaluate the institution. The enrolment requirement is that candidates should have scored 25 points or more in their Grade 12 examination. Conditional admission is allowed where an applicant 23 years old on the date of registration and is in possession of Grade 10 or equivalent qualification, and work experience.