Namcol prepares for 2018

Preparations for the academic year are in full swing at Namcol, with the enrolment period scheduled for 15 January to 7 February.A total of 138 enrolment points have been established across the country and will be manned by more than 300 staff.According to the director of the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol), Heroldt Murangi, the institution last year piloted online registration at some of the enrolment points and this will be extended to 25 centres countrywide. The registration process for all Windhoek centres is completely online and will take place at the main campus at Jetu Jama Centre. “Annually we are challenged with prospective learners approaching enrolment points late, resulting in them not securing their desired subjects.” Murangi stressed that Namcol was unable to accommodate the demand for all subjects due to limited resources and therefore requested all prospective learners to reach enrolment points as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Namcol will award N$300 000 in scholarships to 250 beneficiaries this year. According to Murangi, Namcol established a scholarship fund for needy learners and this year modified their approach of identifying learners, partnering with regional councillors. “We have the firm belief that regional councillors as the elected leaders of our communities are best placed to identify needy learners in their respective constituencies.”He said applications for scholarships were therefore facilitated by regional councillors. “I would be failing if I did not sound my unhappiness with some regional councils that to date did not manage to communicate any nominations from the regions.” He said this denied opportunities to the most vulnerable members of the society. “We have made the decision not to reallocate the quotas and encourage regional councillors to get nomination forms from their offices soonest.” One of the scholarship recipients from the Khomas Region, Ailly Ndifnefafo Hangula, was ecstatic that she would be able to continue her schooling. The 28-year-old mother of three told Namibian Sun that she had left school nearly ten years ago, but was motivated to make a better life for her children. Hangula, who lives in the Mix settlement just north of Windhoek, said she was an orphan and never had the money to continue her schooling, but was inspired by the councillors to apply for the Namcol scholarship. “I am very happy and want to improve my education to provide a better life for my children,” said Hangula. Another beneficiary, Helena Kamulu, said that she failed Grade 12 in 2011 and since then had been unable to pay for her studies. Kamula is also from the Khomas Region and lives in the Golgotha residential area in Katutura. According to Kamulu her mother died in 2014, which made her financial situation even more difficult. Last year she came across the scholarship application and was elated when she heard that she would be able to complete Grade 12. Kamulu plans to become an accountant. “If something was meant for you, never give up,” she said.Murangi thanked the ministry for its support, adding that an additional N$36 million was allocated to Namcol that would enhance support service provision. “Please make 2018 a year of hard work and your ability to achieve quality results depends entirely on you,” he told learners. The fees for the academic year include a non-refundable registration fee of N$90, plus N$170 per subject for Grade 10 and N$290 per subject for Grade 12. These fees include all required modules per subject, tuition throughout the year and access to support services. ELLANIE SMIT

Namcol prepares for 2018

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-26

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Namcol prepares for 2018

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-26

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