Former solar student returns to Walvis Bay to teach solar technology

Young Africa Namibia, a local NGO for the empowerment of young people, is reintroducing its vocational training course in solar technology in Walvis Bay. Trainer of the course is Jonathan Joseph, former solar technology student at Young Africa and Walvis Bay resident.
Jonathan joined Young Africa at its other training centre in Otjiwarongo, where he spent the last 1,5 year following an internal teacher training program, with the last half year training students independently. “With the demand for solar technicians in Namibia it has always been my dream to take a career in solar technology, but there was no training centre for this technology in Namibia. Then I heard about Young Africa on the radio and saw posters advertising about the course. I decided not to waste time but just to go and register for the course”.
“I am very proud and grateful to be a fruit of Young Africa. It changed my life in such a way that now I have a purpose to live and a career to follow. It changed my negative thoughts about life into positive ones. Before I joined Young Africa, I was trained in Carpentry and Joinery at another vocational training centre in Namibia, but I failed to make something of my life. Young Africa’s Life Skills programme really helped me to set goals and take life into my own hands”. “If it is to be, it is up to me.”
Globally, the solar industry is one of the five fastest growing industries. In two years we are expecting that the demand for qualified solar technicians in Namibia will be doubled.
Therefore Joseph urges all young people who want to make a career as a solar technician to join Young Africa’s course. “The training is really productive and successful as all the tools and materials to learn the practical skills are there. You must not be scared; it is not difficult. Anyone can do it if they give it their 100%.” The job market is waiting for them, so it is up to them to grab the opportunity and have a purpose to live.
The new course in solar technology starts on 11 July.
It’s a full-time course from July until the end of November. Application forms can be collected from and returned at the Multipurpose Centre, the Rural Constituency office and the Urban Constituency office in Kuisebmond.