Wennie Du Plessis goes technical

Jordan Diergaardt
On the 23rd of June 2017, the official handing over to the new technical building took place at Wennie Du Plessis Secondary School in Gobabis. The handing over was done by the Regional Director of Education, Mr Semba, Dr Pumuti (Director of NIED) and various contributory parties, who all played a role in the establishment of the technical school in all 14 regions.
The grade 8s of Wennie Du Plessis SS of 2017, will be the first group of learners to be using the technical subjects. The introduction of technical subjects are only implemented in 14 schools, 1 from each region and Wennie was selected in the Omaheke Region.
The idea of introducing technical subjects started way back in 2010, and since then, ways have been developed on how to teach these subjects. The subjects that are chosen now in grade 8 are said to be more of an introduction to the broad learning areas. As the learners reach senior secondary phace, grade 10, they will be given a choice, to take either woodwork, metal work and welding, building and auto mechanics as technical subjects. There will also be hospitality and a health social section.
ABEMBF. an international brewer, who is also currently established in Namibia, played the major role in sponsoring for the technical buildings and equipment. “As learner and current Head boy of the school, I am very proud to be a leader and fellow student of such a wonderful and generous establishment, such as the buildings of the technical blocks and implementation of a technical syllabus for the current grade 8 and others to follow“ said the Head boy of the school Richard Muhalie “This will give learners who might not be above average in academics, because through technical subjects, their vocational skills will be developed and perfected.” As the only current technical group are the grade 8s, they will pioneer the technical subjects. The school will gradually move forward with the technical subjects as the time goes on.
A word of thanks from the Principal was given to the ABEMBF family for the amounts of funds they invested into the development of the technical subjects.
“Thank you to each and everyone that contributed that we can stand here this morning and make this technical stream that’s been implemented in our school, a success” said Mr. Wimpy Silver when he was asked to say a few words. The grade 8 and all fellow learners were also further encouraged by various parties to make full use of the new technical side and teachers, to gain and acquire every possible drop of knowledge to achieve their dreams and full potential in the years to come.