PRESIDENTIAL SEND-OFF FOR TEAM NAMIBIA TO WORLDSKILLS LYON

The Namibian team consists of 14 competitors, all selected at the 3^rd National Skills Competition, held at Ongwediva, Oshana, in September, last year. They are to compete in 13 skill areas, including: Mechatronics; Restaurant Service; Bricklaying; Plumbing and Heating; Fashion Technology; Wall and Floor Tiling; Electrical Installation; Cooking; Welding; Automobile Technology; Joinery; and Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning. The Mechatronics competition requires a team of two competitors. Altogether 13 skilled and seasoned experts, responsible for providing guidance and leadership for each skill competition, accompany our competitors.

Sending off the team at a ceremony at State House on Thursday, 29 August 2024, Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia urged the team to remain disciplined as ambassadors of the country throughout the competition.

“Aim for the best in your experience. Your participation is an excellent opportunity to prove on the global stage that Namibia is progressing and that we are making strong inroads in building a national skills system that can compete with the best in the world. Partaking also helps to leverage the TVET sector as an avenue for readily employable skills for job markets”, the President noted.

Higher Education, Technology and Innovation Minister, Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi, echoed the Head of State’s sentiments and highlighted  that Team Namibia’s preparations have been extensive.

“Competitors and experts have been receiving intensive training and support to ensure they perform at their best. The participants are well-versed in  terms of the competition rules, as well as the WorldSkills Code of Ethics and Conduct guidelines. We plan to reinforce this common understanding during a final team-building exercise before our departure”, he explained.

This marks Namibia’s fifth participation in WorldSkills, following successful appearances in São Paulo, Brazil (2015), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (2017), Kazan, Russia (2019), and the Special Edition in 2022, which took place at venues around the world.