Welwitchia graduation a success
• By Tracy Tafirenyika
MORE than 500 health professional students at Welwitchia Health Training Centre (WHTC) recently graduated with conferred degrees, diplomas and certificates.
In her statement the institution’s deputy rector and co-founder Monica Pendukeni stated that the graduates had demonstrated a high level of adaptation and resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic and were able to navigate through the winds of change for them to attain their qualifications.
“Today, we witness yet another colourful event, filled with fun and pomp which marks the fourth graduation ceremony of Welwitchia Health Training Centre (WHTC) which was founded in 2013.
“Today, the Bachelor of Nursing Science Degree marks its full graduation cycle where eight intakes have been ushered into service. We also have graduands from Walvis Bay Campus joining the cohort of the Certificate in Enrolled Nurse and Midwifery/Accoucheur from Windhoek, Lady Pohamba, Kombat and Nkurenkuru.
Our Windhoek graduands for the Certificate in Pharmacy and the Diploma in Environmental Health Sciences are also here to be conferred with their hard-earned qualifications at such a time when the world is reeling under the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.
“As an institution, we are ready to continue offering a world class education which is quality assured by various regulatory and accreditation agencies. This is made possible by a team of dedicated staff, management and governing board whose contribution cannot be understated and I say thank you.
“This also extends to all stakeholders including parents, guardians, sponsors, and financial institutions including NSFAF for your continuous support to our students. We call upon NSFAF to continue to assist more students as many are still struggling and without that support, they would not be able to reach this day,” she stated.
Speaking at the same graduation event, Letshego Holdings Namibia chief executive officer Ester Kali who was the guest of honour at the event said:
“I am also informed that the institution which had one campus in 2013 now has seven functional campuses in Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Kombat, Mururani, Outapi, Nkurenkuru and Katima Mulilo while expansion plans include Helao Nafidi, Oshikuku, Grootfontein and Swakopmund where land has already been identified.
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I am also informed that the greater part of your 2020 and 2021 classes were complemented with online learning while practical, tutorials and clinical placements had to be held in person under these most difficult conditions. I am also happy to note that none of the students were lost due to Covid-19 related illness although today you are still mourning the passing away of two of your fellow students.
“We must all continue to fight this invisible enemy and I can assure you that one day we shall certainly win this battle as we have done with every other pandemic that has befallen us, as a people.
“As all health workers graduating today, your services are in dire need, and I am told that most of you, if not all, you have already been engaged by both the government and private sector.
As you embark in this world, equipped with this qualification, please remember the oath and pledge of service that you took and solemn duty to serve humanity”.