We should appreciate that in Namibia many educational and vocational training institutions are increasing and expanding their curriculums.
However, do these progressions speak to industrial changes? Do they contribute positively towards minimising the high employment rate?
Reluctantly, I am prompted to note that anything aimed at improving education should be the collective responsibility of multiple stakeholders.
Parents, guardians and the government spend a lot, be it financially or through other means, to ensure that children are educated in the hope of making it in the job market.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out like that.
It is vitally important that higher education and vocational institutions should remain relevant and be able to design their curriculum/courses to be able to respond to industry demands.
They need to stay abreast of what is going on in our world and how they can adapt to present changes.
In addition, the institutional leadership should realise that 21st century education is about providing students with the skills and confidence to practise those skills profitably.
EDUCATORS AND PARENTS
Educators at senior secondary school levels should go the extra mile and ensure that pupils receive proper guidance when it comes to choosing careers that not only suit their interests but help them respond to market needs.
This can enhance their confidence and empower them to make the right decisions regarding selection of courses at higher education institutions.
Educators also need to realise that career development at the right time allows pupils to discover who they are, and what they do best.
It should also help them to be able to see the link between their course work, their goals and their future.
Parents and guardians can have a major influence on children’s career development and career decision-making.
In terms of career choices, they should assist and support their children, but not dictate the decision-making process.
They need to give children the freedom and time to discover their skills through providing motivation for development and success.
Significantly, parents and guardians should instil an attitude of self-belief and determination by being positive, rather than critical.
THE MINISTRY
The ministry of education should take full control of education when it comes to curriculum extension to ensure that all institutions comply with Education 5.0, which focuses on students’ future advancement beyond the digital.
Secondly, the ministry needs to provide macro guidance to all educational and vocational institutions in Namibia.
Just as importantly, they need to encourage related research to enable an extensive understanding on how to expand the existing body of knowledge to enable full participation in gaining a competitive advantage in response to industrial changes.
We not only need to keep up with changes, but aim to be ahead of the game when it comes to equipping young Namibians for the future.
- Immanuel Nghitotelwa Nakambale has a masters degree in educational leadership and policy.
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