Napha hosts prep course for previously disadvantaged

The Namibia Professional Hunting Association (Napha) recently completed a preparation course for the Hunting Guide Examinations for previously disadvantaged Namibians.



The course was held over ten days with participants arriving on 31 July and concluding with examinations on 12 August.



According to Napha, ten participants attended the course, including one participant from the Namibian Association of Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Support Organisations (NACSO).



The association said that it looks forward to receiving the examination results by the first week of September. Upon receiving the results, plans will be made for a practical course for the successful participants to further their careers as hunting guides.



“This course represents an important step in empowering previously disadvantaged Namibians, and Napha remains committed to supporting their professional development and improving their life circumstances.”



Napha said it is grateful for the tourism ministry’s collaboration and support, particularly their involvement in providing examiners. The high level of engagement allowed for both written and oral exams to be completed within one day.



Criticism



Napha said that feedback received from participants was that some experienced stomach issues due to unfamiliarity with the food provided. Others asked for takeaway dinners to be delivered to their accommodation, as the distance from the classroom was considered inconvenient, according to the association.



Participants also asked for cool drinks and more coffee or tea.



“While this was not a critique of the food quality or taste, it was an adjustment issue. Napha will consider offering more familiar food options in future, for which we would like to get feedback from the participants on what they would be happy with. The catering company agreed to drop off the dinners at the accommodation and more beverages were provided.”



Another issue raised was concerning accommodation provided at a backpacker establishment to keep costs low and have the participants close to the course venue (900m).



Napha said that participants were initially placed in dormitories and later in tents as the number of attendees exceeded initial expectations.



Napha said that accommodation arrangements were made based on early estimates, but due to an increase in participants close to the start date, some participants had to be accommodated in tents.



“Complaints arose regarding the lack of sufficient blankets even though they were informed that they should bring extra blankets, and the accommodation also provided one blanket per person.”



They also complained about inadequate lighting for studying in the tents and insufficient bathrooms and showers.



“Napha provided additional lights to those in tents to improve comfort. In future, we will seek alternative accommodations with more consistent amenities.”



Another issue participants raised, was that study materials were requested well in advance and not just in English, but also in Afrikaans.



Napha said that due to the short notice in planning this course, these requests could not be fulfilled.



“However, Napha acknowledges the importance of timely distribution of study materials and will explore the feasibility of translating documents into different languages for future courses.”



Efforts will also be made to secure alternative living arrangements with better facilities and sponsorships to enhance participant comfort.



The maximum number of participants for this course will be set at 16 to enable the lecturer to give more attention to individuals.



Moving forward, Napha plans to host the next course in February or March next year to accommodate members and participants more conveniently, avoiding the busy trophy hunting season in August.



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