WSAS2022 – Preparing for a Continental Showpiece
Altogether 12 countries have confirmed participation in WorldSkills Africa Swakopmund 2022 and will send teams that will compete in different skills areas covering the disciplines of Construction and Building Technology; Manufacturing and Engineering Technology; Information and Communications; Social and Personal Services; Creative Arts and Fashion; and Transportation and Logistics.
The continental event – the 2nd of its kind following the inaugural event staged in Kigali Rwanda in 2018 – is staged in partnership with the African Union and under the aegis of WorldSkills International and the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation. It aligns with Namibia’s national long-term strategic objective to leverage the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, and by extension, support economic prosperity for future generations.
According to the Manager: WorldSkills Namibia, Sens Shoolongo, who stands at the forefront of organizing this event, WorldSkills Africa Swakopmund 2022 is going to be all about celebrating excellence, showcasing our skills talent, engaging in capacity building, infusing best practice and fostering cooperation.
Taking place from 28 March to 2 April 2022 at Swakopmund’s renowned ‘The Dome’ complex, WorldSkills Africa Swakopmund 2022 is also to include an international conference under the theme: “Promoting Skills Development in the 21st Century for Sustainable Economic Growth and African Ownership”, while a career exposition component is aimed at introducing learners to viable technical and vocational career options.
“I will fail in my duty as project lead if I do not recognise the invaluable contribution our team members and partners are making towards our preparations. Organising an event of this magnitude is a mammoth undertaking. This is really encouraging that team members are willing to take on additional responsibilities on top of their day-to-day deliverables. Their commitment denotes a strong sense of pride in what we do in leveraging the Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector”, Shoolongo shares.
“The latest COVID-19 wave to hit Namibia has somewhat derailed our momentum in preparing for this event. Hard work still lies ahead of us. March/April 2022 is just around the corner, and there is still so much for us to do. However, I’m confident that true to our reputation, we will be able to stage a successful and impactful event”, he adds.
Asked about staging an event of this nature, given the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Shoolongo stressed the commitment of the organisjng team in ensuring participant and visitor safety. “Gathering Africa’s skills community in a safe and healthy environment is our main priority. Stakeholders can rest assured that the organising team is leaving no stone unturned in putting in place a sound and robust safety framework”, he emphasised.
