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Nawa 2 |
May 23 2001 |
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TRIP TO NYAE NYAE CONSERVANCY
 In cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and a range of Namibian NGO`s, USAID is supporting Namibia`s community-based natural resources management (CBNRM) program. It is designed to give communities in the communal areas of the country the means to manage wildlife and other natural resources in a sustainable way. The program has generated nearly US$1 million for communities since its inception. |
 USAID Director Diana Swain, along with U.S. Ambassador Bader`s wife, Rohini Talalla, and USAID staff Shereen Pieterse and Kosie Blaauw, recently visited the Nyae Nyae conservancy. The group was accompanied by Chris Weaver of the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), Nyae Nyae Conservancy Manager, Kxao Moses, and Beverly Carpenter of the British Voluntary Service Organization (VSO). In 1998, Nyae Nyae, with a membership of 620 Ju/`hoan Bushmen (and women), became the first conservancy to be registered in Namibia, and, several months later, became the first one to enter into a contract that allows a safari company to bring in clients to hunt agreed-upon types and numbers of game. The original contract has since been re-tendered and, along with donations of game from the safari company, earns the conservancy approximately US$30,000 per year in cash. These funds are used to cover operating costs and to pay dividends to Conservancy members. When asked how they spent their dividends, members indicated they bought food and clothes for their children. The Ju/`huan Bushmen live in extreme poverty and described problems they face with the education of their children, the poaching of game, and pressure from non-residents who want to graze cattle in the conservancy, to the visitors. Through the program, conservancy members are gaining knowledge and experience in making decisions that affect their future and the wildlife in the conservancy area is being managed in a way that directly benefits the bushmen and, at the same time, enhances the sustainability of the area`s natural resources. |
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NEW LEARNLINK CENTER OPENS IN OKAHANDJA
The LearnLink project was established in 1999 to enable the Ministry of Basic Education, Sport and Culture (MBESC) to make better use of information technology. Computers and the Internet are employed to improve professional development and support Namibian education professionals countrywide. Through the LearnLink project, USAID/Namibia is supporting MBESC in improving local information technology skills in rural areas. The project will be housed in four Teacher Resource Centers (TRCs) in Okahandja, Katima Mulilo, Ongwediva and Rundu. U.S. Chargé d`Affaires, Mr. Thurmond Borden, and Under-Secretary of MBESC, Mr. Justin Ellis, officially opened one such Center on May 11, 2001 in Okahandja. The facilities will be staffed by formerly unemployed Namibian youth who are currently receiving training in computer center management and maintenance. |
| The TRCs will become computer training centers for MBESC employees, the private sector, NGOs and community members in each of these towns. The project will also train teams of `technology champions` (i.e. trainers) through these centers to acquire IT skills and to share these with their colleagues in the regional education offices and in the classroom. The LearnLink project is also helping NIED to develop the Educational Development and Support Network (EDNet) website that will provide online support, expanded access to resources, professional development, and improved interaction and collaboration among teachers, ministry staff, and TRC personnel throughout Namibia. |
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THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE (NDI) APPOINTS NEW REGIONAL DIRECTOR
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| Shari Bryan steps into Patricia Keefer`s shoes as NDI`s Regional Director for Southern Africa. Welcome to the Region, Shari, and good luck, Patricia! |
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USAID/NAMIBIA PROGRAM OFFICER HEADS FOR WASHINGTON
 John Beed, Program Officer, recently moved to USAID/Washington to take up the post of Division Chief: Broad-based Economic Growth at the Latin America and Caribbean Office of Regional Sustainable Development. Congratulations, John! |
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