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Nawa 40 |
Dec 8 2005 |
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LAUNCH OF NAMIBIA DEMOCRACY SUPPORT CENTRE
 On November 22, 2005, the Namibia Democracy Support Centre (NDSC), a unique cooperative partnership between government and civil society was officially launched at the Namibian Parliament where the new body is to be housed. The NDSC is funded by USAID through a cooperative agreement with the Namibia Institute for Democracy, one of the founding partners. The membership-based, autonomous NDSC was founded on the premise that citizen participation in public policy debate and decision-making is an essential condition for strengthening democratic processes and building a democratic culture. Healthier dialogue between civil society and government institutions is an important means of encouraging changes in attitude, nurturing citizenship and facilitating democratic behavior within communities.
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The aim of the NDSC is to increase the frequency and improve the quality of the interaction between government institutions and civil society by enhancing the legislative outreach capacity of Parliament and the institutional competence of civil society. Processes and mechanisms designed to prompt the participation of civic organizations in the legislative process will link into regional government structures. Information dissemination will be maximized through the involvement of community media institutions and, in particular, the Constituency TV Channel.
In her congratulatory remarks, U.S. Ambassador, Joyce Barr, stated that the launch of the NDSC was an exciting milestone: "We applaud you for this impressive achievement especially in light of Namibia’s pre-independence history....the United States has been an enthusiastic development partner of the Namibian Parliament over many years through funding of $12.8 million in technical assistance and support to civil society".
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Theo-Ben Gurirab, in delivering the keynote address, said: "Government acknowledges the critical role of civil society in public debate and socio-economic development. Acceptance of government policies and legislation is greatest when the people themselves are able and eager to make inputs." |
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TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS ENHANCE PARTNERSHIP IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
 On October 9, 2005, Namibian Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Nahas Angula, launched five USAID-funded technical textbooks published by the Katutura Youth and Enterprise Centre (KAYEC) in Windhoek. The books are practical, easy to follow, and use appropriate and appealing illustrations. The books focus on the development of basic skills in metalwork, bricklaying and building, woodwork and joinery, domestic plumbing and offer an introduction to computers. In thanking the U.S. Government for its support, the Prime Minister said that these technical publications would go a long way to enhance the national capacityto develop skills in the country, especially for the youth. "Our people are the primary resource for growth and development. The cultivation of their skills, ingenuity and intellectual potential should be the first call of public private partnership".
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USAID/Namibia Director, Gary Newton, congratulated KAYEC and said that "...few things could be as important as the work you are doing:
· offering Namibia`s energetic youth the opportunity to learn, and practice, and profit from a trade;
· equipping youth, many of whom are out-of-school and out-of-work, with a practical education that will lead to meaningful and dignified employment;
· helping to align Namibia`s education system with the needs of the economy by producing certificate holders with skills that are in demand;
· helping to build and maintain the nation by strengthening the national workforce with skilled plumbers, woodworkers, metalworkers, bricklayers and computer technicians; and
· improving public and civic health by endowing craftsmen and women with leadership and life-skills and HIV/AIDS awareness."
USAID support to KAYEC since September 2002 amounts to US$300,000 for vocational training. A major focus of this assistance has been the expansion of vocational training to the northern region of Namibia and outreach efforts that target the rural community living in the vicinity of the KAYEC Centre in Ondangwa. |
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TEXTBOOKS DONATED TO SCHOOLS IN NEED
 A shipment of 17,000 USAID-funded books from the International Book Bank was handed over to the Ministry of Education at a ceremony on 29 November, 2005, at the Namibia Institute for Educational Development (NIED). For the past three years, the International Book Bank and other U.S. based organizations and individuals have donated books to benefit learners at different grade levels. While a particular focus has been on primary schools, institutions of higher learning such as the University of Namibia and the International University of Management have also benefited from these book donations. The total number of books received by the Ministry of Education over the past three years is 49,000, including 10,000 textbooks received in July 2005, under the Textbooks for a Global Society program distributed to primary schools in the north.
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The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Becky Ndjoze-Ojo, in expressing her thanks to the United States Government at the handover ceremony, said that the books were chosen through a consultative process. The donation will reduce critical book shortages in teacher resource centres, colleges and school libraries; will strengthen the libraries of targeted schools and create a stronger reading culture among learners and pre- and in-service teachers; promote inquisitive and critical thinking in pupils, learners, students and staff; expand knowledge and career horizons of all who are partakers in the learning process; improve the much-needed culture of reading; and strengthen links to the regional and international community.
USAID Director Gary Newton, said that support for textbooks is provided in the context of a broader program of support for basic education and stated "...the U.S. is standing solidly beside Namibia and your national effort to achieve the goals spelled-out in Vision 2030, including those that envision a higher quality education and a knowledge-based economy. USAID is pleased to be in a position to assist such a vital and vigorous sector." |
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GOVERNMENT CAPACITY STRENGTHENED TO SUPPORT NAMIBIA`S OVC
 At a ceremony on November 30, 2005 at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Minister Marlene Mungunda thanked the U.S. Government for helping her Ministry improve support for Namibia`s increasing number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). With funding from the U.S. President`s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, USAID, through our partner Family Health International (FHI), has been providing technical assistance, training, materials and equipment to strengthen the Ministry`s capacity to identify and register OVC, and to increase children`s access to government grants and services.
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Approximately 39,000 OVC across the country currently benefit from the government`s social grants, but many more are in need. Many OVC caregivers do not know that the grants are available, and if they do, many don’t know how to apply for them. The Government is trying to increase the public’s awareness of these grants.
Funding from the Emergency Plan enabled the Ministry to translate the National OVC Policy into six local languages and disseminate it nationwide; develop a brochure explaining the types of grants available to needy children and their caregivers, translate it into 6 languages, and disseminate it nationwide; and, strengthen its capacity to develop and manage the national OVC registration system and document the magnitude of children`s needs in Namibia. This will help the Ministry to advocate and justify additional funds for the care and support of orphans and vulnerable children.
In thanking the U.S. Government for support to the national OVC program, Minister Mungunda said: "...you have shown yourself to be a supportive and committed partner in our development, ready to assist and guide, to ensure that the children of Namibia’s future is secure."
Representing the U.S.G. Emergency Plan, USAID/Namibia Mission Director Gary Newton responded, "We are pleased to be in a position to support this Ministry. You are at the centre of the nation`s response to the urgent needs of children. Without your active leadership, a vigorous and rapid response to the compelling needs of Namibia’s children would not be possible." |
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