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Ungt entreprenørskap

In 2008 Entrepreneurship will be introduced in all Namibian schools. This is to promote innovation and creativity so much needed in Namibia. The Namibia Association, Norway, (NAMAS) has been asked to assist the Ministry of Education (MOE) in this process.

Background

In 2004 the Ministry of Education decided to introduce a new optional and promotional subject, Entrepreneurship, to replace Business Management in grades 8-10. In grades 5-7 entrepreneurship principles will be integrated in the practical subjects (Home Ecology, Design and Technology and Elementary Agriculture).

The National Institute for Educational Development (NIED), responsible for curriculum development, was tasked to put this decision into practice. NIED established an Entrepreneurship Steering Committee, comprising of members from the Ministry of Education, Bank Windhoek and NAMAS, to monitor the development and implementation process.

A misconception about Entrepreneurship is that it is about doing business and making profits. However, the new subject Entrepreneurship will strongly focus on the ability of the individual to spot opportunities, develop solutions, be creative and innovative instead of dealing with management skills only. Entrepreneurship is much wider in so far as to bring about a mindset change to achieve a culture of creativity and innovation. This could have many advantages, such as increased productivity and uplifting the standard of living of the Namibian people.

Aims

Entrepreneurship is about seeing problems from a new angle and finding solutions. This is essential whether in business, public sector or private life. Entrepreneurship aims at developing these much needed skills. The development and implementation of entrepreneurship is required to meet the ever changing needs of society.

Activities

With the support from NAMAS and local private sector partners, such as Bank Windhoek and Shell Namibia, the Ministry of Education is currently undertaking and planning the following activities:

Implementation time frames will be as follows:

Entrepreneurship as a new subject
Grade 8	2008
Grade 9	2009
Grade 10	2010
Integration in practical subjects
Grade 5	2008
Grade 6	2009
Grade 7	2010

Teacher training:

In-service training: To be able to teach the new subject in a practical and learner centred way, all the present Business Management teachers will undergo a two week training during the year prior to implementation in the specific grade.
Pre-service training: The Colleges of Education should deliver teachers in future who are competent to teach Entrepreneurship. The Ministry of Education with the assistance of NAMAS is supported by Hedmark University College, Norway to develop a curriculum for teacher training. To strengthen the development of a teacher training curriculum, NAMAS is sponsoring the piloting of the draft syllabus at 7 schools spread over 6 regions.

Curriculum development: NIED, with the assistance of Hedmark University College through NAMAS and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), developed a draft syllabus which is due for final approval during February 2007. Continuous Assessment will contribute 50% towards the promotion mark.
Materials development:
A teachers’ guide has been developed to be used by the subject teacher as well as during in-service training.
Other materials to be developed include textbooks and teaching aids.

Achievements

A conference on Entrepreneurship was held in September 2005 to inform and bring the private sector, donors and public sector together to form partnerships. A high level of interest was received from businesses as well as individuals. This promotion drive is being maintained and support is growing in all sectors of society.

An Entrepreneurship Coordinator, sponsored by NAMAS, was appointed in 2005 to coordinate all activities regarding development and implementation. To assist the curriculum development process the draft syllabus is presently piloted in 7 schools country wide. A detailed work plan was compiled to clearly map out the way forward. A draft syllabus for Entrepreneurship in grades 8-10 and revised syllabi for practical subjects in grades 5-7 were developed and adapted to cater for integration.

Future aims

Do refresher courses for teachers after implementation, starting in 2011.

Identify and establish a pool of advisors to support the entrepreneurship teachers.

Plan and implement school, regional and national competitions for schools.

Challenges

Sustaining continued support to teachers is vital to bring along this change and make this undertaking successful. Commitment of local communities to become involved and take ownership is necessary for implementation.

We need your support and involvement. Individuals, businesses and organisations, who are interested to get involved in any way, are invited to contact: