For a total of 10 days in the second half of February NATH in conjunction with teacher training expert, Dr. Charlie Vogel from the University of Würzburg in Germany conducted a "Train the Trainer" course for tourism instructors in Namibia. The course was aimed at teachers/facilitators that are both starting out in the teaching side of tourism as well as those more advanced and experienced in the area. Skills and information covered during the course included the basics of effective classroom communication, presentation skills and psychology of teaching then went on to the preparation of teaching units in both the theoretical and the practical dimensions.

"Dr. Charlie", as he has become known in guiding circles, is not a new-comer to training Namibians, but has now completed 24 visits and training courses for local, community and National guides since his initial visit in 1996. The University Geography Department he is associated with has also completed long term studies in Namibia and his experience of training instructors extends into northern Africa and eastern Europe.

Emphasis at this most recent course was placed on helping instructors teach and train people in the tourism industry. This was related to client services, methods and tools of training, describing current trends and needs, but also concentrated on the motivation and building of enthusiasm in trainees. A valuable component on the assessment and evaluation of trainees was also added.

The course ended with a written examination, the preparation and performance of a training unit and the evaluation of the three parts of the exam. All the participants showed great progress in their training skills and passed the exam with good success. The participants will be awarded a NATH certificate of competence which will serve as a record of learning and has been designed to fall into the realm of Recognition of Prior Learning and Record of Current Competence when the new guiding legislation is introduced.

This course will be a fixed feature at NATH and is planned to be repeated on a regular basis.