The tours aim to give them exposure and knowledge about the various industrial activities in the region to help them choose their career paths wisely.
Twenty-six-year-old Pius Samuel says there is little or no knowledge and exposure about industrial activities at the town for young people.
Samuel started the educational tours in June, where he has taken pupils from various schools around Walvis Bay and Swakopmund on a tour of the Port of Walvis Bay.
“The pupils who take part in these tours get the opportunity to see the activities that take place within the port and engage with the staff on career-related issues. The port tours were the first of many other educational site tours that I intend to do for the pupils of the Erongo region,” says Samuel.
The last group of pupils to go on the port tours were from the Westside and Coastal high schools at Swakopmund, who ended their one-day tour on 30 September with the festivities of the maritime week, which were organised by the Namibian Ports Authority.
So far, about 180 pupils from grade 8 to 11 took part in the initiative, which is ongoing. The next tours are intended for various other sites such as fishing factories and mines.
Samuel, however, says he faces a challenge with transport.
“We previously used public buses that transport passengers to the north. However, it is always a challenge because when they get clients on the agreed date, they dump you. This means you have to seek alternative transport on the same day and it has been an unpleasant experience. I’m calling upon the private sector to assist with transport,” he said.
PUPILS INSPIRED
Pupils and teachers who went on the tour say they learnt a lot that would benefit them in future.
“The tour was very educational. It was a good exposure to different careers and opportunities. Pupils were exposed to the operations of Namport and could draw inspiration from the young people working at the port. I urge schools to give pupils the opportunity to visit Namport,” says Coastal High School teacher Daniel Tuyapeni.
“The tour was indeed meaningful. We got the chance to get engaged in practical teaching about the shipyard and how it works, which is really fortunate. Pupils now have a clear understanding of the different departments, and will take it into consideration in terms of their future. Schools that have not visited yet should make an effort to go and experience great deals for the pupils,” says a grade 10 pupil, Eveline Hiyonane.
“We saw one of the biggest vessels, and how the captain navigated it. The presentation by the Namibian Police was also an eye-opener. It made us understand the overall objective and responsibility within the port. I was really impressed to see a very young female marine engineer being in charge of the entire vessel. It motivated us. Such opportunities enable the pupils to understand and know how rich our country is when it comes to human resources,” says a teacher from Westside High School, Elina Titus.
“Those who would like to attend only pay for transport. The plan is to visit the mines next and the fishing factories,” says Samuel.
