Opuwo — Some 42 students who enrolled for a nine-month certificate course in office administration and computer skills at COSDEC (Community Skills Development Centre) have been placed on 'special holiday' because new computers are not yet installed.

"We started in June and we are done with the theory but practicals are a problem and even our parents at home are complaining. We are eager to complete the course on time as well, because maybe other centres are now even enjoying the courses in other parts of the country," bemoaned one student.

Approached for comment, head of the centre, Merriam Tjambiru said the problem is countrywide.

"It is not only the Opuwo centre that is affected but other centres too," she said, adding that unlike bricklaying and other mechanical courses, whose students are busy now, the course in question is new and thus students should be patient.

Asked for how long the students will be on 'special holiday', Tjambiru said her centre is only awaiting a team from head office in Windhoek to come and instal and upload all the needed software.

She would not give the exact date, but said installation would be soon.

Some students that New Era spoke to feel the course is theoretically good and thus the delays in practicals will have a negative impact on them because some students might forget some of the crucial course sessions.

"Honestly, I am afraid that I might forget. I just hope that things will be sorted out in time," indicated one student, Iipinge Paulus.

All registered students are required to pay a monthly fee of N$50 for nine months.

According to the official website, the foundation seeks to improve the capability of the youth and disadvantaged people to gain formal employment or self-employment through community-driven, affordable, competency-based training initiatives.

It is funded by non-governmental organisations but Government through the Ministry of Education remains its "base" funding.

Its centres are available in most parts of the country.

They include Rundu, Tsumeb, Otjiwarongo, Ondangwa, Windhoek and Swakopmund.