According to Katowa the Ministry of Education is investigating methods to improve the quality of the education system at all levels. "Only a few schools in the region are performing well. Initiatives like the spring school is but one of the methods the Ministry is employing to address the poor pass rate. I believe the other schools can also rise to the top, but this will require hard work, dedication and commitment from students, teachers and parents. The spring school may be short, but this is your chance to make sure that you are well acquainted with the course material and well prepared for the final exams."

In a speech read on her behalf by Councillor Derek Klazen, the mayor of Walvis Bay, Uilika Nambahu, described the spring school as a brilliant idea adding that although the concept of a spring school is not a new one, it is rare in Namibia, as learners often simply want to enjoy their holidays and forget about classes, books, subjects and exams. " It is heart-warming to see dedication and commitment of our educators and learners in preparing for the final exams, during school holidays. If you review the performance and pass rates of schools in Namibia, you may be quite concerned about the poor pass results in some schools. Many people often blame the educational system, or the method of the teacher, or the subject material. But, one cannot apportion blame or point fingers to what people may believe the reason is for poor exam results."

She noted that education in the classroom is a symbiosis of cooperation between teacher, learner and parents. "If you as a learner choose not to study, then you will not achieve good results. Similarly, if a teacher does not provide the necessary guidance and assistance when students struggle with a certain subject matter, the students will perform poorly. Without the support of parents, students also easily adopt an "I-don't-care" attitude. Not only will the spring school help learners to understand subjects like Mathematics and Science better, but it will improve the exam results in schools. I am sure that the information being shared among the learners will not only benefit them, but in the long run will benefit our community as the learners of today become the doctors, engineers and experts of tomorrow."

The mayor urged the students to share the insights they gain from this session with the rest of their other class mates, and praised the private sector for their generous support. Businesses have donated more than N$310,000 to hold the spring school.

Hanekom noted that over the last few years since the competition was shifted to Walvis Bay there has been an improvement in the skills and performance of Namibian endurance horse riders. "Each year we also attract more and more foreign riders, who wish to test their abilities on our routes. The competition is recognised internationally in equestrian circles for its difficulty, but also for the breed quality of Namibian horses. It is also the biggest equestrian event in the country. This event not only attracts riders, but their technical delegates, veterinarians, supporters, friends and spectators. This could easily be a flood of about 2,000 visitors in Walvis Bay. According to our estimates the income this event will generate will amount to hundreds and thousands of dollars for accommodation, meals and other tourism. We are proud to be able to contribute to the coastal economy and promote the area as a tourist destination," she said.

This year the competition comprises various routes of 120km, 95km, 80km, 60km and 30km for junior and senior riders in and around Walvis Bay. The race starts 1 September 2009. Road users leaving or entering Walvis Bay have been requested to drive carefully as horses may need to cross the roads at certain points as part of their routes.

The first endurance ride in Namibia was held in 1966 between Veldduin and Maroelaboom, and soon grew to become a popular competition. After the withdrawal of the South African Defence Force in 1989 endurance riding stopped in Namibia. However, by 1990 the Grootfontein Endurance Ride Club was established and the first endurance ride after independence was held in April 1990 at Kranzfontein near Grootfontein. In 1992 the first Namibian Championships were held at Gobabis. Ever since, the endurance sport has grown tremendously and there are more than 200 members and seven clubs.

For more information contact Annette Hanekom at: Tel: +264 62 501 213 Fax: +264 62 505 560 Cell +264 81 127 3759 www.namibiaendurance.org.

"The coast has become one of the most important tourist and leisure destinations in Namibia. So, we would like to encourage tour operators and related service suppliers to grab this opportunity. Our local businesses can play an important role in the marketing of the tourism activities and opportunities ‘by word of mouth’ to family and friends outside Namibia. This year the expo will be better and bigger than last year. We've made provision for 63 stands in the town halls, and a further 90 indoor stands in three tented halls," Stevens noted.

The three tented halls have been earmarked for arts and crafts; refreshment stalls as well as small and medium enterprises. The show will also feature a motor show, where the latest vehicles for passenger, sports, recreation and transport purposes can be seen.Suppliers of camping and outdoor sports equipment would also be accommodated here. Government institutions and parastatals are invited to market or communicate their services at this important exposition.

"The expo will also feature entertainment and activities for the whole family such as jumping castles, water sliders, trampolines and go-karts and music performances. As with previous expositions the public and the trade will once again be able to visit the exposition free of charge. Exhibitors are welcome to book stalls. We have also launched a much improved website that will provide exhibitors with updated information on the event and to assist with the booking of stalls," he said.

The expo is scheduled to take place from 28 to 30 October 2010 at the Civic Centre.

For more informationg contact: Marlene de Witt
Tel: 064 - 270 500
Cell: 081 149 7368
E-mail

Nonnie van der Westhuizen
Tel: 061 - 230 842
Cell: 081 122 3137
E-mail