Omuthiya: The Oshikoto Region’s Directorate of Education, Arts, and Culture is actively promoting arts entrepreneurship, with Deputy Director of Lifelong Learning, Hilma Nangolo, encouraging learners to explore artistic careers as an alternative to more traditional employment. Nangolo highlighted its importance during an arts entrepreneurship competition held at the Museum of Namibian Music in Omuthiya on Wednesday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the deputy director emphasised the directorate’s commitment to providing diverse pathways for learners, recognising the valuable skills and career opportunities within the arts. ‘We want to open doors for our learners who might not thrive traditionally in the classroom, but excel in artistic expression,’ she said.
The competition, which is in its pilot phase, showcased the artistic talents of 36 learners from Ekulo Secondary School and Iipundi Secondary School, who participated in visual and performing arts categories. The top performers will advance to the reg
ional art entrepreneur competition in Okahandja on 04 April 2025, where they will compete against learners from the Otjozondjupa Region.
The competition, themed ‘Art Attack,’ provided a platform for students to demonstrate their creativity and entrepreneurial potential. It featured a range of artworks, including visual arts such as drawing, crafting, and design, and performing arts like singing and dancing.
Project organiser and Ekulo Secondary School arts teacher, Taimi Johannes, explained that the initiative aims to cultivate both artistic skills and entrepreneurial mindsets. ‘This project allows us to encourage learners to explore their artistic abilities while introducing them to the concept of entrepreneurship within the arts sector. It provides a valuable platform for creativity, self-expression, and innovation,’ Johannes said.
Alfeus Nenkundi, a Grade 10 learner from Iipundi Secondary School who won the performing arts category with his song ‘Nge twatekulwa’, said he wants to become a successful mus
ician. ‘I love singing, and I am determined to develop my musical talents,’ Nenkundi said.
The visual arts category was won by ‘The Big Five’ duo from Ekulo Secondary School, with spokesperson Beata Andreas, a Grade 10 learner specialising in drawing and printing, saying she is determined to be an artist.