Otjozondjupa: Education facilitates 181 internships

Selma Shiwaya 

The Directorate of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (DEIYSAC) in the Otjozondjupa region facilitated 181 internships and work-integrated learning (WIL) placements for students and graduates during 2026. 

This comes as Namibia intensifies efforts to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace experience. 

Education regional director, Gerhard Ndafenongo, revealed the figures during the National Work-Integrated Learning Policy 2025–2030 stakeholder engagement held in Otjiwarongo, where stakeholders were urged to strengthen partnerships between education institutions, government, industry and communities to expand workplace learning opportunities. 

According to Ndafenongo, the largest number of placements was recorded in the Otjiwarongo Circuit with 88 placements, followed by the Grootfontein Circuit with 76. 

The Okahandja Circuit accommodated 13 placements, while one placement was facilitated at Tsumkwe schools and two at the regional office and planning and development division. Students and graduates were drawn from several institutions, with the International University of Management accounting for 98 placements, followed by the University of Namibia with 44. 

“These figures clearly demonstrate that government, schools and training institutions can work together to create meaningful workplace learning opportunities. However, the demand for placements continues to exceed available opportunities, making it imperative for both public and private sector employers to join this national effort,” said Ndafenongo. 

The director further stated that the directorate has adopted and implemented an internal internship and workplace learning placement policy to ensure fair, transparent and coordinated placement of students and graduates across the region. Through this arrangement, we continue to provide opportunities for student teachers, office administration trainees, psychology students, statistics interns, library science students and other trainees from various institutions. 

“Classroom education alone cannot adequately prepare young people for the demands of the labour market. Therefore, workplace exposure is an important component of skills development and employability,” he said, while adding that meaningful workplace exposure remains essential for developing practical skills, strengthening employability and preparing young people for the world of work.  

Ndafenongo also called on public and private sector employers to embrace the National WIL Policy and create additional opportunities for students and graduates. 

He said expanding workplace learning should be viewed as an investment in Namibia’s future workforce and economic development. 

The National Work-Integrated Learning Policy 2025–2030 provides a framework for strengthening collaboration among education institutions, employers, government and other stakeholders to improve workplace learning opportunities for learners, students and graduates. 

* Selma Shiwaya is an Information Officer at MICT in Otjozondjupa. 

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