More VTC’s needed - educator

Jacob Marengo Secondary School principal Ottilie Abrahams says there is a dire need for more vocational training centres to be built around the country. Speaking to Namibian Sun recently, Abrahams said she was very happy to hear that government will be investing in more vocational centres, as too many young people are being left out of the job market because of the lack of skills that such places can provide. “We always talk about the country having a shortage of skills. We don’t even have enough plumbers or electricians, but this can be solved quickly by encouraging our young people to take up such professions.” Specialised skills needed Abrahams continued: “I know that the colonial mentality makes us all want that so-called white-collar job, but these specialised skills are also needed. Not everyone can be a lawyer or a doctor because we are not all academics, but we have many young people who are brilliant at crafts and this needs to be developed so that they can make a living.” She said that if the country builds these extra centres countrywide, there will be no need for Namibia to keep talking about a lack of skills. She said there will also be less unemployment, as people can work in any corner of the country with their different skills, thereby curbing the influx of people to Windhoek. Abrahams said it is also important for government to put an emphasis on arts, adding that she is also glad to hear that the new school curriculum will include an art class, as well as a physical education. Developing talent “We need to encourage our youth and develop their talents, as these talents can also help them make a living. Government can only get positive results by improving art classes in schools, and this can be done by bringing in teachers from places such as the Katutura Arts Centre, which is a fantastic resource centre. It is not only the child’s academic sections that need development,” she said. Abrahams said she always thought physical education was not really necessary, but research has indicated that these activities “improve the brain cells and this is good for learners”.