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Directorate of Research, Science & Technology

INTRODUCTION

The year of 2005 was characterized by many uncertainties due to structural changes. The former Ministry of Higher Education under the Directorate of Research, Science and Technology fell, was merged with the Ministry of Basic Education to form a single Ministry of Education. However, this development did not affect the smooth operation of the directorate’s programmes.

ACHIEVEMENTS

National Science Week

The National Science, Technology and Engineering Week (NAM SCI Week) was successfully held at the Polytechnic of Namibia, under the theme “High Five Physics” to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s most remarkable discoveries. The National Science, Technology and Engineering Week had been done by the Right Honourable Prime Minister who has continued to support Science and Technology activities. This was followed by numerous workshops for teachers and learners respectively. The workshop for teachers focuses on creative teaching methodsby making use of everyday materials to brighten up their lessons to compensate for the shortage of relevant materials.  Learners were exposed to y important concepts such as biotechnology and HIV/aids . In addition, professionals from South Africa were brought in to perform Science shows in which simple science concepts were demonstrated in a fun manner. Science hands-on demonstration equipment also formed part of the fun experienced by learners.

 Learners enjoying the hands-on exhibits

National Science Awards

The Directorate in collaboration with Skorpion Zinc Mine as the main sponsor and other stakeholders and interested parties has established ways and means to award research, science and technology achievers on a national level.  The aim of the award is to recognize all scientists and science institutions with outstanding achievements in the field and to recognize noble initiatives that promote a culture of science and research in Namibia .  The Right Honourable Prime Minister Nahas Angula was the keynote speaker at the event which was held at the Country Club and Resort Centre in Windhoek 

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Right Hon Prime Minister Angula with the Scientist of the year, Mr. Peter Tarr

Computer Based Learning Centre

The PLATO centre, a computer based learning centre was set up at Rossing Foundation to improve the performance of Mathematics and Science in schools through the use of computers. Learners are given an opportunity to improve their understanding of the subject by working at their own pace. This is delivering very good results in terms of learner performance in these subjects.  Regular reports are produced on the performance of the students and many students show an improvement of more than 100% in their understanding of Mathematics and Science.

Research Training

The Southern African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (SAARMSTE) had its 13^th Annual Conference at Safari, Windhoek . The objective of the conference was to bring together all researchers in the said area from the Southern Africa and beyond to share experiences/,results of research conducted and to network in order to tackle common problems of Science and Technology as a community. About 120 papers were presented. The papers focused on solutions to different problems experienced which Namibia could learn from. In addition two training workshops were conducted in the Hardap and Caprivi regions respectively to sensitise teachers. A good number of teachers and lecturers joined the association and expressed willingness to pursue further studies which included a research component. find.

Biotechnology

In September 2005, parliament assented to the Cartagena Protocol under the Biodiversity Convention. This obliges Namibia to develop a national Bio-safety framework, regulating the transboundary movement of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Bio-safety considerations are important given the uncertainty regarding the potential positive and negative impact of GMOs on human/animal health, the environment and economy/trade. One of the major highlights for Biotechnology during the year was the establishment of the Regional Agricultural and Environment Initiative Network- Africa’s (RAEIN-AFRICA) offices in Namibia . The network’s major business is technology and policy development in Agriculture and Environment  It solicits donor funds and assist member countries in carrying out activities in the aforementioned areas.

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ICT Policy Implementation Plan

The National ICT in Education Steering Commmitte successfully launced the policy in March 2005. This policy serves as a guide on Information and Communications Technology intergartion in the Namibian Education and Training System to enhance teaching and learning. To successfully achieve this goal and objectives as set out in the policy, the steering committe is finalising the Implementation Plan.  

National information and Communication Technology Skill Scheme (NISS)

The Directorate managed to secure some funding from the Social Security Commission for the NISS Project. The project aims to empower the unemployed youth with computing skills which will enable them to find jobs at the end of the training programme. As a response from the advert in the newspapers, the Ministry received proposals from about nine training institutions to train students for the scheme as well as from about 7000 potential trainees from which only a few would qualify. A committee has beens formed to select both the training institutions and also the successful candidates based on the criteria set. The Ministry is currently in the process of selecting the students and all successful ones will be inform early in 2006 so that training can start in February 2006.

SADC Science and Technology Policy Development

The SADC Science and Technology workshop was held at The Safari Conference Centre, Windhoek , Namibia on the 29th June to the 1st July 2005. The conference brought together 41 science and technology heads and professionals from the SADC region with the aim of developing a common understanding of the value of science and technology for socio-economic development; to identify common challenges faced by the SADC member countries in terms of the development and implementation of science and technology programmes; and, to assess progress made in formulating and implementing National Science and Technology Policies amongst others. Almost all SADC ountries have S&T Policies but others like South Africa are far more advanced than the rest and therefore spearheading most of the programmes but also engaging other countries for capacity building purposes.  

The Olute Food and Research Centre

This project articulates the concept of entrepreneurship which is seen as an important element of business innovation technology based start up and is seen as a key vehicle for transferring knowledge from Universities and public research organisations to the private sector in order to commercialise these results to come up with innovative ideas to market. Presently the Olute food and research centre is focusing on flour production, as the multi functional extruder that makes snacks is out of order. The cereal production on the drum dryer is going on well. However, there is a need to consolidate our product range to better meet our market needs and expectations.  Packaging and quality control on the products as well as marketing strategy are some of the priority issues to be addressed in the coming year.  The division needs to articulate a management system for the Olute Food and Research Centre in the coming year. The project faced a number of challenges such as lack of legislation and market access (standards, quality and safety); including the need to improve the technology for manufacturing and technology to add value to natural resources.

Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology (CIET)  

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