Nantong Vocational University: China's vocational training and skills acquisition for Namibian youth

The author poses for a photo at China General Nuclear Power Corp. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The bilateral relations between China and Namibia have long been described as all-weather and unwavering. Our two countries enjoy lasting cooperation on people to people exchange, especially through high education scholarship and personnel training.

Due to Namibia's limited skilled work force especially in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the country has since started addressing the need for a knowledge-based economy through fostering partnerships that are aimed at sustainable development and youth empowerment.

Nantong Vocational University in Jiangsu province, China, has trained over 130 young Namibians since 2016 in the STEM field, equipping them with industry and corporate skills that can be applied back in their home country.

Societal impact and human resource value addition

As a professional English Chinese translator and interpreter, a lot of times I am requested to offer my service in high level business meetings and court hearings, for this kind of job you need to be a good listener and fast thinker, so that you can simultaneously interpret speakers in real time for ease of communication and understanding.

I would say that my business Chinese and acquisition of level 5 in the HSK exam of Mandarin Chinese proficiency were my greatest accomplishments while studying at Nantong Vocational University. 

Using language as a tool to solve the communication barrier is my approach of relevance and creating an opportunity for business cooperation.

By bridging the existing language and cultural gap, I have helped resolve conflicts between local employees and Chinese workers, relying on my skills as an experienced and effective communicator with a focus on conflict resolution, stress management, and negotiations. 

Translating important documents such as the Namibian labor law and a legal guide to Chinese in Namibia volume one document are all part of our efforts to making it easy for the Chinese business community to operate within our jurisdiction without contravening the Namibian laws unknowingly.

My reputation in my industry has been affirmed by various high public office bearers.

Future plans

One thing is for sure, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

My next corporate assignment is to return to China in the near future for training and certification in the field of translation and interpretation, with the main aim of becoming a respected, qualified, and certified Chinese interpreter by undergoing the China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters (CATTI), as this has been my niche since returning to Namibia.

The author is an interpreter and 2021 graduate of the Namibian Presidential Revitalization Plan at Nantong Vocational University in Jiangsu, China.