Towards seamless education
The signing of the MoU between the Polytechnic of Namibia and the Agricultural Training Center, Krumhuk (ATCK). Head of Department of Agriculture Salomo Mbai, Rector of the Polytechnic Tjama Tjivikua, ATCK Board of Trustees, Steve Hirst and Vice-Chairperson Kavee Rijatua at the Poly Senate Chambers.
The Rector of the soon to be named Namibia University of Science and Technology, Prof Tjama Tjivijua said at the signing held at the Polytechnic’s Senate Chamber, that higher education has been criticised for operating as an “island” and instead of functioning interdependently. The agreement will create possibilities for ATCK graduates to articulate into the Polytechnic education system as well as the exchange of teaching staff and students in the training of industry role players in the field of sustainable agriculture and farm management.
Tjivikua said that the the knowledge sharing will focus on agriculture and tourism. Adding that, “there is no doubt the two institutions will need a much deeper and deliberate consultative process in order to streamline academic and development opportunities.”
On behalf of Krumhuk, Steve Hirst said that this agreement opens up a new chapter in Public-Private-Partnerships. Adding that the institution graduates are highly sought after at institutions such as Namibia Wildlife Resort (NWR), embassies based in Windhoek and many others in communal areas.
Tjivikua showed gratitude to the institution for availing their own training facilitates, the only practice oriented agricultural training institutions with such training facilities in the country. “It is common knowledge now that food production systems are being threatened by climate variability, limited or poor infrastructure for distribution and or trade and population pressure. This Tjivikua said is why it is important that institutions such as the Polytechnic create smart partnerships for solutions.Krumhuk founded in 2008, provides training with those with at least a grade 10 qualification, but unable to secure tertiary education and have the need for improved vocational education and training.
Currently the Polytechnic has grown from only two academic offerings in empowering existing and emerging farmers to the School of Natural Resources and Spatial Sciences, now offering a programmes in Land Management, Land Administration, Natural Resources Management amongst others at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
