A brickmaker in every village and nineteen in Eenhana
The first 19 trainees from the Ohangwena Region received their certificates in brickmaking earlier this week at a Ohorongo Build it brickmaking academy in Eenhana.
The brickmaking academy is a partnership between Ohorongo Cement and one of its distributors, the Build It hardware chain. The two companies established the academy in March this year to assist the government to alleviate poverty by imparting skills and knowledge.
“We are confident that this project will not only transfer knowledge and skills but also secure jobs for more Namibians as it will facilitate self-employment,” said Ohorongo Cement’s Marketing Manager, Carina Sowden.
After the three-hour training, all trainees received a brickmaking manual for further reference and a certificate of attendance. Beyond the training, an Ohorongo technical team, together with a support team from the Built it stores, continue to provide technical assistance and advice to the trainees to ensure high quality bricks.
When the academy was launched, hardware retailer Build it committed to purchase the bricks produced by the trainees provided their product meets specified quality standards.
“This brickmaking academy is especially important to us, as cement, bricks and blocks form the stable foundation and framework upon which things grow. If the trainees can produce bricks and create an income, it contributes to a growing economy. As people build better and stronger houses, schools and places of work – employment grows, people prosper, children get better education and businesses can thrive and grow, which is the ultimate goal” said Paul Hinson, Category Buyer for the Build it Group.
Trainees are selected through the regional governors’ offices.
“The fact that Ohorongo and Build it involved the government through liaison with the various Governors with this initiative, shows transparency and dialogue, true dedication for the cause,” said Ohangwena Governor, Hon. Uusko Nghwaamwa.
The next brickmaking academy will be conducted in the Omusati Region on 16 August with the Khomas and Otjozondjupa regions to follow during the remainder of the year.
Brickmaking academies will be held in all the other regions during 2018.
