Staff Reporter
THE Namibian National Students Organisation (NANSO) has proposed that unemployed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates be mobilised to address infrastructure backlogs at schools across the country, during a meeting with the Prime Minister aimed at strengthening collaboration between government and student leadership.
Speaking after the engagement, NANSO technical staff representative Mabby Sanandwa said the meeting was productive and focused on the organisation’s “Fix My School” campaign — an initiative designed to improve school infrastructure while simultaneously tackling unemployment among TVET trainees and graduates.
According to Sanandwa, the campaign seeks to utilise locally trained artisans, including carpenters, plumbers and electricians, to repair, maintain and upgrade school facilities.
“The Fix My School campaign aims to address the infrastructure backlog in Namibian schools, while also creating opportunities for unemployed TVET trainees and graduates who already possess the necessary technical skills,” Sanandwa said.
She explained that instead of outsourcing work to private contractors and companies, NANSO is proposing that government allocate resources towards materials, tools and structured project planning, while TVET graduates carry out the work.
Sanandwa argued that the approach would be cost-effective without compromising quality, as trainees are already trained and qualified in their respective trades.
The proposal also incorporates Work Integrated Learning, allowing trainees to gain practical, real-life project experience, build professional profiles and transfer skills within their communities.
NANSO said it is ready to work with government to fast-track improvements to school infrastructure and ensure that every Namibian child has access to a safe and conducive learning environment.
Photo: Office of the Prime Minister (OPM_Namibia)
