Support for exchange students
Since the lack of qualified teachers is one of the main challenges faced by the Namibian education system, the German embassy and AGDS (Arbeits- und Fördergemeinschaft der Deutschen Schulvereine) provide scholarships for BA Education students as well as a student exchange programme every year.In this vein, German ambassador Christian Schlaga and Hans-Joachim Böhme of the AGDS recently signed an agreement to provide scholarships valued at N$120 375. In return, the students commit to teaching at an AGDS school for a few years following the completion of their studies.
The AGDS is the umbrella organisation for seven parents’ boards, representing eleven schools where German is taught as a First Language. Currently, 15 students are provided with bursaries to study at UNAM or at a South-African university.
Youth exchange
At the same event, the two parties signed an agreement to support the AGDS student exchange between Germany and Namibia.
For several years the AGDS in partnership with the German Cultural Relations Abroad (VDA), has made a 10 to 12 week stay for Namibian students possible in Germany. The students, all of whom are German language learners, are hosted by German families and attend their exchange partners’ schools for the duration of the stay.
Assuming the role of ambassadors for Namibia, they contribute significantly to overcoming mutual prejudices while building German-Namibian friendships.
The learner exchange programme has been supported financially and logistically by the German embassy for several years. This year’s exchange was supported with N$23 000 that enables youths whose parents who can’t afford to send their children overseas otherwise, to participate.