Africa-Press – Namibia. THE effects of the coronavirus on education have been brutal, to say the least.
The past two years of interrupted schooling have created an education gap that is going to take years to restore.
This also resulted in many learners not being able to catch up.
Hence, the directorate of education of Oshana region opened its first ever computing school at Ekuku in Oshakati.
The school was established to meet the demand of the 4th industrialisation revolution and the implementation of the new curriculum.
Minister of Education, Anna Nghipondoka said the future of education in Namibia and the world over is nowadays characterized by digitalization and addressing challenges whilst simultaneously also taking advantage of the opportunities brought by the fourth industrial revolution.
Nghipondoka made these remarks during the official handover of Computers to the Oshana Secondary School on Thursday.
Oshana’s computing school’s infrastructure consists of four classrooms and a storeroom, with the construction of the school by Rani Group of Companies costing, N$1.6 million.
Nghipondoka said that the Oshana computing school has clearly answered the call to embrace the curriculum learning area of technology and will surely go a long way in ensuring that the Namibian child is well prepared and equipped to deal with the challenges.
“It is our resolve as a ministry to provide accessible, equitable and inclusive quality education for a tolerant, skilled, productive and competitive nation,” she said.
She added that it is also their aim to promote and preserve arts and culture for nationhood and unity in diversity.
She added that this will also ensure the learners will be exposed to artificial intelligence, the internet of things, 3D printing, genetic engineering and quantum computing.
Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Emma Theofelus said innovation and technology does not wait for anyone, thus, Namibians should learn to catch-up at all cost.
Theofelus indicated that the establishment of the school will help the learners to showcase their skills and be innovative.
“The school of computer will turn many of you into innovators, so use technology wisely,” she said.
She added that there is power in making use of advanced technology in order to develop the country.
Managing director of Rani Group of Companies Ali Dharani said the aim was to complete the school construction in 100 days.
According to Dharani, they understand the importance of having an educated nation, hence their contribution towards developing the education system.
“We are heading towards the 4th industrialisation and my dream is establishing more computing schools in all 14 regions,” he said.
He added that they hope to establish two more schools in Omusati and Ohangwena regions next year, if funds become available.
To date, Dharani through its company invested N$3.7 million into various educational programs, and hopes to do more.
The Oshana Secondary School of Computer which opened its doors in July has a population of 29 learners all in Grade 8 and 6 teachers.
Once fully completed, the school can accommodate a total of 150 learners from Grades 8-12.
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