Trainers from VTCs joined peers from private training institutions, as well as students from the University of Namibia at a special training workshop at UNAM’s Main campus in Windhoek from 22 to 26 July 2024, which focused on Agri-Photovoltaics.
Agri-Photovoltaics, also known as Agri-Solar is defined as ‘the use of land for both agriculture and solar photovoltaic energy generation’.
Facilitated by Fraunhofer ISE, a consultancy in Freiburg, Germany, the training course focused on several aspects pertaining to the optimal use of the same land area to generate both solar energy and agricultural outputs.
At the closing ceremony, GIZ Promotion of Technical and Vocation Education and Training (ProTVET) Programme Manager, Jerry Beukes handed over Agri-Photovoltaics training kits to the NTA’s Manager: Corporate Communications, Marketing and Advocacy, Mornay Louw, who stood in for the CEO at the closing ceremony.
Louw, encouraged the trainers to generate a return on the investment made in their upskilling.
“How do you as beneficiaries now reciprocate? By being accountable; by demonstrating that you apply the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired; by utilizing the equipment towards the intended purpose; by going back to your respective training institutions and ensure that we share learning materials and resources and transfer the newly-acquired knowledge and skills to colleagues and others; and by becoming advocates for Agri-Photovoltaics as a key enabler for Green Transformation”, he shared.
Louw also thanked the German Government, through GIZ and the Fraunhofer ISE, whose facilitators conducted the training intervention for their continued support to the TVET sector. “On behalf of the NTA and all our trainer beneficiaries who participated in this initiative, we say ‘thank you’. Rest assured that we will continue to explore further opportunities for collaboration”, he concluded.
The VTC trainers are Michael Kambahepa and Jonas Hamunyela from Okakarara VTC; Elias Siteketa and Junias Iyambo from Rundu VTC; Max Ishidimbwa from Windhoek VTC; Joan Ndyelart from Eenhana VTC; Philemon Kalume and Johannes Shagama from Valombola VTC; and Elifas Kleopas from Gobabis VTC.