…as partnership puts youth exchanges and vocational training in focus
Patience Makwele
Nearly 400 Namibian children who studied in the former East Germany during the liberation struggle could become part of a renewed connection between the Ohangwena region and Germany’s Salzland district, following the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two regions.
The agreement, signed on Sunday, is intended to create opportunities for young people through education, vocational training and exchanges, while opening cooperation in agriculture, sport, infrastructure and public service delivery.
The historical link dates back to the 1980s, when approximately 400 Namibian children and young people studied in the Staßfurt area of the former East Germany.
Many of those who returned to Namibia are now living in Ohangwena. The renewed partnership follows an initiative by Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa, who approached the German district in 2025.
Salzland district administrator Markus Bauer said the two regions should begin by creating opportunities for young people to interact.
“That is why we must start here. Let us bring together young people from your region and from our region,” he said.
The agreement was signed by Bauer, Hamutumwa and Eenhana mayor Omri-Onn Kavandje, alongside Namibia’s honorary consul in Germany Andreas Konietschke, Salzlandsparkasse chief executive Hans-Michael Strube and Gymnasium Stephaneum director and principal Axel Wieczorek.
Helao Nafidi Town Council and Okongo Village Council are also part of the wider regional cooperation.
For Eenhana, the proposed areas of cooperation include technical and vocational education and training, student exchanges, curriculum development, water resource management and infrastructure maintenance.
The German delegation visited several education institutions during its stay, including Eenhana Vocational Training Centre, Usko Nghaama Special School, Sakaria Shikudule Secondary School, Oshela Secondary School and Mawila Primary School.
It also visited water and sanitation infrastructure, NIDA warehouses at Oshikango, border facilities and agricultural projects in Okongo.
Hamutumwa said discussions leading to the agreement began about nine months ago through virtual engagements facilitated by Konietschke.
She said the region wanted the partnership to move beyond the signing ceremony and produce practical results.
“And from our side, we are saying it will not only be an MOU on paper, it will be an MOU in action and practise. And we will do it working together,” she said.
The Office of the Ohangwena Governor will coordinate the regional implementation, while Eenhana Town Council will facilitate local initiatives and engagement with stakeholders. Projects requiring financial commitments will be covered by separate agreements.
