Tourism College Explains Why It Has Closed
THE Namibia Hotel & Tourism College opened it doors in January 2003 to ensure a better future for all Namibians.
Being in line with the principles set out in Vision 2030, the
College, with the support from Ministry of Higher Education,
Training and Employment Creation, had high hopes of getting funding
through a soft loan and from the Development Fund of Namibia.
The College started in good faith with myself, Vicky Greyling,
as managing director working with five teachers and lecturers, one
of whom, Mr Liam Smith, was a director, 14 administrative and
maintenance staff and twelve students.
As managing director I invested my finances, time and efforts
into the college, with support from the other two directors, Mr
Smith and Mr Andrew Matjila, staff and students.
Unfortunately, not having endeavoured any thing of this kind
before, we did not have clear guidelines on how to apply for
financial assistance.
After having gone from one Ministry after the other looking for
support, we only learnt in August 2003 from an employee of the
Ministry of Finance that all grants or soft loans from any sort
must go through the National Planning Commission.
This was immediately followed up with an appointment with the
Director General who was extremely helpful.
Since then I had three meetings and various e-mail discussions
with the NPC.
Through the NPC various letters was sent to overseas bodies for
help.
The Namibia Hotel & Tourism College also approached various
countries through the consulates for a soft loan.
This was only done in November on advice of the NPC.
Despite having no external financial support, we tried to keep the
college alive with personal bank loans, volunteer trainers and
tuition fees from the students.
Huge debts were incurred in the faith that we would be able to
secure external funding because of the College meeting so many of
Namibia's development principles.
The vision of the Namibia Hotel & Tourism College was and is
to open doors to students who are not necessarily strong
academically.
Through a combination of academic subjects based on the business
world and a strong practical training, our students would be able
to pursue a career that will enrich and upgrade their lifestyles in
practical ways.
We specialise in training students for jobs in hotel management,
food and beverage management, front office and customer management,
and secretarial and office practices for the hospitality
sector.
Due to the high debt incurred in 2003, the Namibia Hotel &
Tourism College had to temporarily close its doors in November.
I am, however, confident that with our business plan and
objectives we have a high chance of obtaining external funding
and/or soft loans in 2004.
To all those who supported us in the past year, my sincere
gratitude.
It was not an easy year.
In good faith, I was convinced that we would have secured
funding still in 2003.
Should you have any queries or be interested in the business
opportunities we offer, do not hesitate to contact me
ria@mweb.com.na, PO Box 2714, Swakopmund or cell. (264-)
81-128-3628.
- Vicky Greyling - Managing Director
Note: This letter has been shortened
The College started in good faith with myself, Vicky Greyling, as
managing director working with five teachers and lecturers, one of
whom, Mr Liam Smith, was a director, 14 administrative and
maintenance staff and twelve students. As managing director I
invested my finances, time and efforts into the college, with
support from the other two directors, Mr Smith and Mr Andrew
Matjila, staff and students.Unfortunately, not having endeavoured
any thing of this kind before, we did not have clear guidelines on
how to apply for financial assistance. After having gone from one
Ministry after the other looking for support, we only learnt in
August 2003 from an employee of the Ministry of Finance that all
grants or soft loans from any sort must go through the National
Planning Commission. This was immediately followed up with an
appointment with the Director General who was extremely helpful.
Since then I had three meetings and various e-mail discussions with
the NPC. Through the NPC various letters was sent to overseas
bodies for help.
The Namibia Hotel & Tourism College also approached various
countries through the consulates for a soft loan. This was only
done in November on advice of the NPC.
Despite having no external financial support, we tried to keep the
college alive with personal bank loans, volunteer trainers and
tuition fees from the students. Huge debts were incurred in the
faith that we would be able to secure external funding because of
the College meeting so many of Namibia's development principles.The
vision of the Namibia Hotel & Tourism College was and is to
open doors to students who are not necessarily strong academically.
Through a combination of academic subjects based on the business
world and a strong practical training, our students would be able
to pursue a career that will enrich and upgrade their lifestyles in
practical ways. We specialise in training students for jobs in
hotel management, food and beverage management, front office and
customer management, and secretarial and office practices for the
hospitality sector.Due to the high debt incurred in 2003, the
Namibia Hotel & Tourism College had to temporarily close its
doors in November. I am, however, confident that with our business
plan and objectives we have a high chance of obtaining external
funding and/or soft loans in 2004.
To all those who supported us in the past year, my sincere
gratitude.
It was not an easy year. In good faith, I was convinced that we
would have secured funding still in 2003.Should you have any
queries or be interested in the business opportunities we offer, do
not hesitate to contact me ria@mweb.com.na, PO Box 2714, Swakopmund
or cell. (264-) 81-128-3628.- Vicky Greyling - Managing
DirectorNote: This letter has been shortened