In a bid to shake up agricultural education and address food security challenges, Peritum Agri Institute has announced its strategic partnership with Roots College in Namibia. This initiative aims to provide a pathway for educational development in agriculture, particularly targeting school leavers with a keen interest in farming.
The official inauguration ceremony of Roots College, in collaboration with Peritum Agri Institute, took place in Windhoek. The event garnered significant attention from prospective students, parents, and government dignitaries, including Namibia’s minister of urban and rural development, Erastus Uutoni.
Dr Johan Riekert, the founder of Roots College, hailed the partnership as a transformative endeavour aimed at empowering youth through education. He emphasised the importance of equipping students not only with the necessary agricultural knowledge and skills but also with an entrepreneurial mindset to foster sustainable farming enterprises.
Riekert highlighted the significance of this initiative in addressing the pressing issue of food security in Namibia’s arid landscape.
Pioneering partnership fosters agricultural excellence
Speaking on national television, Uutoni lauded the partnership and encouraged young people to seize the opportunity presented by the educational programs offered by the institutions. With many students exiting the school system prematurely, often after grades 10 or 11, Uutoni stressed the importance of promoting agricultural development and integrating it into both urban and rural planning strategies.
Emmie Pietersen and Belinda Louw, founders and directors of Peritum Agri Institute, expressed their admiration for Namibia’s resilience in agricultural practices, particularly in harsh climatic conditions.
They underscored the significance of practical education in climate-smart agricultural production practices, emphasising their commitment not only to teaching but also to learning from Namibia’s agricultural expertise.
During the inaugural year of 2024, prospective students will have the opportunity to enrol in national certificate programs in animal and plant production at Peritum Agri Institute. These programmes, accredited at NQF levels 3 and 4, aim to bridge the educational gap for scholars exiting the school system prematurely.
Moreover, Roots College and Peritum Agri Institute have collaboratively developed a pathway for tertiary education in agriculture, which will be accredited by Namibian authorities. These qualifications are specifically designed to promote climate-smart agricultural production practices, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills necessary to navigate the evolving agricultural landscape effectively.
The partnership between Peritum Agri Institute and Roots College marks a significant milestone in the advancement of agricultural education in Namibia. By combining academic excellence with practical training and entrepreneurial skills, the initiative is poised to cultivate a new generation of agricultural leaders capable of driving sustainable development and ensuring food security for generations to come.
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