The Namibia Training Authority recently participated in the kick-off meeting for the European Commission- funded project, Promoting Sustainability and Innovation in Agricultural TVET Through Cross-Sectoral Cooperation (PRO-S).
The meeting, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 20 to 21 January 2025, officially launched this transformative initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural education and promoting sustainability in Africa.
The project brought together partners from Namibia, Kenya, Rwanda, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland to tackle challenges related to climate change, economic development and employment through Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET), with the kick-off meeting focusing on providing a structured framework for coordination, financial management and knowledge transfer to ensure the successful and timely achievement of project objectives.
The NTA delegation comprised of Indongo Indongo, Manager: Research and Planning and Tuwilika Shilongo, Research Coordinator, who joined other stakeholders in reviewing the project framework,
activities and objectives, as well as discussing roles and responsibilities to ensure the smooth implementation of the project. The event fostered valuable collaboration and knowledge exchange among public authorities, private enterprises, and educational institutions across Africa and Europe.
According to Indongo, the meeting highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral partnerships in addressing pressing challenges and aligning the project’s objectives with national and regional priorities. “The discussions reinforced Namibia’s commitment to advancing the project’s key goals, including capacity-building for educators, strengthening public-private partnerships, and empowering trainees with green skills. For Namibia, the PRO-S project offers numerous benefits. Over 35 educators are expected to receive specialised training, enhancing the delivery of innovative agricultural curricula and equipping TVET institutions with tools to meet both local and global needs”, he shared.
“The project will also provide 20 Namibian trainees with two-month internships, offering hands-on experience in climate-smart agricultural practices and sustainable business models. These efforts aim to improve trainees’ employability while contributing to Namibia’s Green Growth Development Strategy”, Indongo added.
Indongo further noted that the meeting provided an excellent platform to align efforts with international partners, while ensuring that Namibia’s participation supports the nation’s sustainable development goals. “Personally, I am excited about the potential of the PRO-S project to enhance the resilience of agricultural practices and equip Namibian TVET trainees with practical skills to address environmental and economic challenges effectively”, he explained.
The PRO-S project, which will run from January 2025 to December 2027. It represents a significant step forward for Namibia’s TVET sector. It aligns with the objectives of the National TVET Policy (2021) and the NTA’s Integrated Strategic Business Plan, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in agricultural education.As the
PRO-S project gains momentum, Namibia stands poised to contribute meaningfully to this international collaboration, reinforcing its position as a leader in promoting sustainability and innovation within the TVET sector.
Participants expect the project to leave a lasting impact, not only by equipping trainees with valuable green skills, but also by strengthening the foundations for sustainable economic development in the agricultural sector.