I have recently read with mixed feelings an article in one of our daily newspapers about a government decision that Grade 10 failures should be referred for vocational training opportunities.
When I read the article the questions that came to my mind were; 1) Does vocational education and training enjoy the status it deserves in Namibia?; 2) when will vocational education and training enjoy the rightful status of being an important career path in our society? Vocational education and training is intended to prepare individuals for a 'vocation' or a 'specialised occupation', to enhance a country's productivity and competitiveness. However, with this move to push learners who have failed Grade 10 to vocational training centres, leaves me with the conclusion that vocational education and training lacks esteem.
...