Achal in Namibia

What is the Polytechnic of Namibia?

Namibia has two major centers of learning; University of Namibia (UNam) and The Polytechnic of Namibia, commonly known as Polytech or Poly. Both are located in the capital city of Windhoek. While the University of Namibia offers its students undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, the Polytech’s primary function is to prepare their students for the workforce through research, teaching, and training. The Polytech offers four-year undergraduate degree (bachelors) courses as well as postgraduate (masters) degree courses in a variety of areas for 15,000 students. The faculty is actively engaged in research, trying to find solutions to local issues ranging from wastewater reclamation to HIV/AIDS control and prevention. For example, when I had a problem with my WiFi connection at my apartment located on the campus, the IT department sent two young “experts” who are majoring in System Administration for on-the-job training. These students will have enough training to be hired by local companies as soon they graduate. The Polytech offers similar study-training programs in many science, business administration, and humanities areas. This is a simple but effective approach, which serves the younger generation of Namibia quite well.

My involvement at The Polytechnic of Namibia.

I am working with two departments: The Department of Engineering Science and the Department of Environmental Health Science.

In the Department of Engineering Science, I will be teaching a course on water quality, wastewater, and public health to students enrolled in the master’s program. The classes will be held on weekends from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Most students who are enrolled in this class will be travelling more than 250 miles one way to attend the classes. These students work fulltime jobs during the week and travel to Windhoek to attend school over the weekend. Now, that’s what I call a commitment! After graduation, these students find better opportunities in their own communities and meet the growing demand for professionals across Namibia.

My affiliation with the department of Environmental Health Science (EHS) is to conduct water quality research in Windhoek and other parts of Namibia. I intend to identify sampling locations and set up a network of water monitoring sites. These sites will help establish the initial baseline of water quality in various parts of Namibia. The department of EHS will continue with follow-up research and monitor sites in the future.

This week I am meeting with the Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Forestry and several high level officials in the Ministry to learn more about their plans to address Namibia’s growing water demands. I will also be meeting with water authorities in Windhoek and will tour treatment plants this week. I will report you back next week about these meetings, so stay tuned!