Staff Reporter
The Institute for Open Learning (IOL), one of the largest private higher distance education institutions in the country, has extended its gratitude to all educators in the country.
“We extend our gratitude to all educators who continue to inspire and shape the future. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on education worldwide,” the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IOL, Ilana Calitz, said.
She shared this message of appreciation in observance of World Teachers’ Day, an annual event celebrated on October 5th. This year, the day is being commemorated under the theme “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.”
Calitz underscored the significance of this year’s theme, recognizing the substantial work needed to tackle the shortage of teachers, especially in mother tongue instruction, sciences, and mathematics, given the associated challenges. Namibia is among the nations grappling with a scarcity of these educators, which hampers the delivery of quality education in the country.
To address this challenge, IOL is one of the institutions offering various affordable courses to train teachers in the country. These courses, ranging from level 5 to level 8 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), include programs such as the Bachelor of Education in Senior Primary Education, Diploma in Junior Primary Education, and Diploma in Secondary Education, among others.
“While there is much work to be done on a global scale to address the teacher shortage, the Institute of Open Learning is dedicated to doing its part. We believe that by fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment, we can contribute to the development of the teachers we need for the education we all aspire to achieve,” Calitz explained.
The CEO’s sentiments were echoed by the IOL Deputy Executive, Hipa Murangi, who emphasised that the institute is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the overall quality of education in the country. He said that this is achieved by producing highly skilled teachers who can make a positive difference in the education system.
Additionally, Murangi said that the institution is dedicated to improving its curriculum and online resources to ensure the continued production of high-quality educators. He also revealed that over 15 160 students have graduated from the institute since its establishment.
“IOL has been proactively working to ensure that our students have access to the high-quality education they deserve. We understand that teachers are at the heart of education, and their role is indispensable in shaping the future,” Calitz added.
Those interested in learning more about IOL are advised to visit https://www.iol.na/ for more information.
