Soldiers broaden their skills

FORTY-EIGHT members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), the Navy and the Air Force yesterday received certificates in subjects such as typing, office administration, computer literacy and baking.

A two-month course was offered free of charge by Women’s Action for Development (WAD) with funding from Shell Namibia and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. “A profile of adequately skilled and informed soldiers will contribute extensively to engendered respect and admiration for our men and women in uniform, tasked with the defence of our country,” said WAD Executive Director Veronica de Klerk.”The nation expects to be served by a highly motivated, competent and dedicated force which can do the nation proud through distinguished service delivery both locally and internationally,” she said.Defence Minister Charles Namoloh said NDF soldiers would one day retire from active duty and rejoin civilian life, therefore it was beneficial for them to acquire diverse skills.”These graduates need these skills to enhance the performance of the NDF and upon retirement to utilise them to their personal benefit like the rest of us.The multiple effects of these skills do not end with the NDF or individual trainees but it will be extended beyond our borders when participating in peacekeeping support missions,” Namoloh said.WAD has decided to take the training a step further by offering advanced computer and catering courses to NDF members who have completed the basic training.”This was really a big step forward for me, especially now that we are living in a world of technology.The training has inspired us, me especially, and has boosted our self-esteem and we are looking forward to learning more,” said Henry Coetzee, who received certificates in typing, office administration and basic computer literacy.Fransica Amungulu, who completed a course in baking, added: “I am now able to bake for my family and friends on their birthdays and I feel very good and lucky to be one of the people selected to undergo this training.I would like to thank the ministry and WAD for this opportunity, and I am looking forward to the next phase.””A profile of adequately skilled and informed soldiers will contribute extensively to engendered respect and admiration for our men and women in uniform, tasked with the defence of our country,” said WAD Executive Director Veronica de Klerk.”The nation expects to be served by a highly motivated, competent and dedicated force which can do the nation proud through distinguished service delivery both locally and internationally,” she said.Defence Minister Charles Namoloh said NDF soldiers would one day retire from active duty and rejoin civilian life, therefore it was beneficial for them to acquire diverse skills.”These graduates need these skills to enhance the performance of the NDF and upon retirement to utilise them to their personal benefit like the rest of us.The multiple effects of these skills do not end with the NDF or individual trainees but it will be extended beyond our borders when participating in peacekeeping support missions,” Namoloh said.WAD has decided to take the training a step further by offering advanced computer and catering courses to NDF members who have completed the basic training.”This was really a big step forward for me, especially now that we are living in a world of technology.The training has inspired us, me especially, and has boosted our self-esteem and we are looking forward to learning more,” said Henry Coetzee, who received certificates in typing, office administration and basic computer literacy.Fransica Amungulu, who completed a course in baking, added: “I am now able to bake for my family and friends on their birthdays and I feel very good and lucky to be one of the people selected to undergo this training.I would like to thank the ministry and WAD for this opportunity, and I am looking forward to the next phase.”