Turning cabbages into diamonds

The Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM), with its focus on skills development in the public sector, has launched its prospectus for 2013. “We are very excited to present our prospectus for next year, which is a veritable menu of programmes and short courses for managers in the public sector,” says NIPAM Acting Executive Director, Elsie Nghikembua. “It is NIPAM’s aim to help transform the public sector by continuously improving management skills and promoting professionalism among public sector employees,” she adds.
According to Nghikembua, NIPAM has enrolled numerous students from central, local and regional government and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) since courses started earlier this year, and feedback has been extremely positive. “Our students, who are all leaders in their respective fields and organisations, rate the quality of our programmes very highly and really value the practical application of the courses we offer in their daily working environments,” she commented.
NIPAM was launched in 2011 to augment the country’s skills-base and equip decision-makers to play a pivotal role in transforming Namibia into a knowledge-based economy. From its modern campus in Olympia, and in partnership with tertiary institutions in both Namibia and elsewhere, NIPAM offers programmes and courses specifically tailored to the needs of civil servants and SOE managers.
“It is no longer necessary for public sector managers to attend courses and workshops outside Namibia, because through our strategic partnerships they get offered relevant, up-to-date and top quality courses right here on their doorstep,” notes Nghikembua.
In its 2013 prospectus, NIPAM offers courses for middle, senior and executive managers, focusing on leadership development and management skills, governance, local economic development, finance, fraud prevention and ethics. In addition, the Institute offers practical short courses such as secretarial skills, customer care, report writing and English writing classes.
“Our aim is to be the institute of choice for everyone in the public sector. Whether you are a secretary looking to improve your skills, or the manager of an SOE wishing to embark on a new course, the NIPAM prospectus 2013 offers a great opportunity to develop your skill-set and make an impact on Namibia’s development,” Nghikembua said.
The new prospectus is available on the NIPAM website at www.nipam.mdi.na .