Two Namibian pupils are heading to Europe after winning prizes at the annual Goethe-Institut Namibia Language Competition.
The event, held at Concordia College on 28 March, brought together 39 pupils from 21 schools across the country.
These Grade 10 and 11 pupils, all studying German as a foreign language, gathered to put their speaking skills to the test.
The most anticipated prizes were two three-week trips to Germany, including stays with local host families.
These were awarded to Elzeth Roelf from Swakopmund’s Namib High School and Angelina Shivute from Delta Secondary School in Windhoek.
Teachers were also included in the day’s events, attending a specialist workshop focused on resilience in the classroom.
Organisers believe that learning German provides a career path.
Ingrid Barth from the Goethe-Institut notes that: “German proficiency opens doors to vocational training and university studies in Europe.”
Edith Döbbert, representing the German-Namibian Society (DNG), adds that the high turnout shows German remains a vital part of Namibia’s diverse culture.
“It shows that young people see German as an opportunity for their professional future,” she says.
The event was made possible through partnerships with the DNG, the German Embassy, and volunteers from the University of Namibia.
