The Polytechnic expands Community Engagement efforts

The Polytechnic expands Community Engagement efforts

By:Anonymous | Published On:22/06/18 12:23 pm

The Polytechnic of Namibia has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the umbrella network of Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Namibia, NANGOF Trust in an effort to create opportunities for its students to acquire valuable educational experiences through community work. Founded in 1991 NANGOF focuses on Advocacy, Networking and Information and Capacity Building Programmes in support of its members.

Facilitated by the Cooperative Education Unit (CEU), the Polytechnic has over the years advocated for strong partnerships between academia, public- and private sectors, as well as NGOs as a means of applying classroom education in the real world of work. Speaking at the occasion, Dr Niikondo, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Research at the Polytechnic, stated that it is through these partnerships that the Polytechnic is able to keep its curriculum relevant to the demands of industry.

He added: “We are confident that placing students with NGOs will provide reciprocal benefits because students will inject fresh ideas into communities while acquiring relevant skills that will mould them into effective community leaders.”

The MoA makes provision for attachment of students and academics to NANGOF and its members for Capacity-building exercises, Research, Teaching and Learning, and Community Engagement. “Students will be exposed to valuable educational experiences that are not taught in the classroom and will be offered opportunities to contribute significantly to the communities to which they are part of, and become responsible citizens within the Namibian society.”