05. Pan-Commonwealth Forum 5 (PCF5), 2008

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The Role of ODL in Providing Support for the Decentralization and Democratization Process in Namibia

( 2008-09) Afunde, N L

PCF5 Sub-theme: Governance and social justice // When Namibia achieved its independence during March 1990 the country’s public service was inherited by an inexperienced bureaucracy. The running of central and local government affairs was never a matter for local people before independence. The decentralization and transfer of administrative power to the local and regional government officials requires education and skill training on local government matters. // The Namibian College of Open Learning identified the educational gap in the field of local government within the country and introduced the Certificate in Local Government Studies (CLGS) programme. The CLGS is tailor-made and aimed at supporting capacity building initiatives of regional councils and local authorities. It also provides opportunities for school leavers who have an interest in a career in regional and local government. // This paper highlights the description of how the programme is offered. It highlights the profile of learners who have participated on the programme as well as the success and challenges during the past two years since the introduction of the programme. The paper highlights the attitude of learners who have completed the Certificate in Local Government Studies through ODL and the impact of the programme on the communities. // Paper ID 407