By : Nghiinomenwa Erastus
NAMCOL recently introduced the Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting, a first of its kind in Namibia since previous students had to do this qualification in South Africa.
Bank Windhoek will come on board with financial support to fund the programme.
The two institutions announced their partnership last week while 19 students were enrolled in the course.
NAMCOL recently introduced the Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting, a first of its kind in Namibia since previous students had to do this qualification in South Africa.
The country gradually reduces its dependence on South Africa for almost everything, even skill development.
NAMCOL’s programme developer, Imogene Hilukiluah, said the Bank’s support came at the right time as many participating students are from disadvantaged communities and unemployed.
“There are very few qualified sign language interpreters in Namibia. However, there is a high demand for the services of such professionals,” she said.
She explained that students have an interest and passion for the field, either from having a relative with a hearing disability or simply realising the need in this country.
As for job opportunities, Hilukiluah said sign language interpreting could create employment for Namibian youth who can offer these services to corporate institutions and national events.
Bank Windhoek’s head of people development, Louretta Louw, explained that Bank Windhoek’s key strategic objectives are diversity and inclusivity as a proud Namibian Bank.
She highlighted that these are two related concepts, but they are far from interchangeable.
“Diversity is about representation or the make-up of an entity,” explained Louw.
The country and economy are currently pushing for an inclusivity agenda. However, it is mostly not followed up with practical action.
Louw explained that inclusion is about how well the contributions, presence, and perspectives of different groups of people are valued and integrated into an environment.
Based on this, Louw said the Bank is committed to supporting the concepts in a practical manner as an organisation.
Through a sign language interpreter, one of the students, Beata Armas, who graduated with a Diploma in sign language, encouraged NAMCOL and Bank Windhoek to keep on supporting her fellow students.
Bank Windhoek will not only support the initiative financially but will also soon train its frontline workers with basic sign language skills.
“We are also excited with the proposed initiative that Bank Windhoek will soon train frontline staff members such as tellers with basic sign language knowledge,” said Hilukiluah.
She said that shows the seriousness of being inclusive.
Hilukiluah concluded by thanking Bank Windhoek, saying that the students can now focus on their studies and not worry about the financial part as they embark on their studies.
NAMCOL is a statutory institution established through an Act of Parliament No.1 of 1997 to contribute to Namibia’s social and economic development by upgrading the educational levels of adults and out-of-school youth.
Email: erastus@thevillager.com.na
