By Staff Reporter

WINDHOEK, Aug. 21 — Curiosity is a natural human instinct that is present from birth. Children are constantly exploring their surroundings and asking questions. This curiosity is essential for learning and growth.

As we grow older, we often lose this curiosity. We become more comfortable with what we know and less willing to question things. This can be a problem for internal auditors, who need to be able to think critically and ask questions in order to be effective.

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally about a problem. It involves gathering information, analyzing it, and drawing conclusions. Curiosity is a key component of critical thinking, as it drives us to seek out new information and to question our assumptions.

In the context of internal audit, curiosity is essential for identifying and assessing risks. Auditors need to be able to ask questions about the way things are done, and to challenge the status quo. They also need to be able to think outside the box and to come up with new ideas.

Here are some tips for developing curiosity in internal auditors:

• Be open to new ideas and perspectives. Don’t be afraid to challenge the way things are done.
• Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask “why” or “how.”
• Be willing to admit when you don’t know something. This shows humility and a willingness to learn.
• Be persistent. Don’t give up easily when you’re trying to understand something.

Curiosity is a valuable asset for internal auditors. By developing their curiosity, auditors can become more effective at identifying and assessing risks, and at providing valuable insights to their organizations.

Here are some additional thoughts on the importance of curiosity in internal audit:

• Curiosity can help auditors to identify blind spots in their organizations. When we become too comfortable with what we know, we can start to overlook potential problems. Curiosity can help us to see things from a new perspective and to identify risks that we might otherwise miss.
• Curiosity can help auditors to build relationships with stakeholders. When we show that we are genuinely interested in learning about their work, stakeholders are more likely to be open to our questions and to share information with us. This can be essential for conducting effective audits.
• Curiosity can help auditors to stay up-to-date on changes in their organizations and in the industry. The world is constantly changing, and auditors need to be able to adapt to these changes. Curiosity can help us to stay ahead of the curve and to identify new risks and opportunities.

In conclusion, curiosity is a valuable asset for internal auditors. By developing their curiosity, auditors can become more effective at identifying and assessing risks, at providing valuable insights to their organizations, and at building relationships with stakeholders.

By Staff Reporter

Windhoek, August 21 – Dagbreek School, a distinguished institution dedicated to serving children with intellectual impairments, joined forces with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to host a thought-provoking half-day event on August 16th. The event, held under the theme “Equitable Education for All: Fostering Inclusivity,” convened esteemed speakers, experts, and stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions aimed at nurturing an inclusive educational environment.

The setting of Dagbreek School provided an ideal backdrop for these conversations, centred around constructing an educational system tailored to the diverse requirements of every learner. Among the participants were Hon. Alexia Manombe-Ncube, Deputy Minister of Disability Affairs, educators, advocates, government officials, and disability affairs specialists.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Eddy Alukolo, Head of Department (HOD) at Dagbreek School. Mr. Alukolo underscored the institution’s unwavering dedication to delivering quality education and support to intellectually impaired students. His opening remarks resonated with the event’s theme, emphasizing the paramount importance of inclusivity in upholding each learner’s entitlement to an equitable and comprehensive education.

Hon. Alexia Manombe-Ncube, the Deputy Minister of Disability Affairs, delivered a compelling keynote address, focusing on education’s power to grant access and effect tangible transformations in the lives of children with disabilities. She highlighted how education empowers individuals with disabilities, rendering them less vulnerable, amplifying their voices, and unlocking opportunities that were previously out of reach. In line with her message, she shared a poignant quote: “Accessibility is being able to get into the building, Diversity is getting invited to the table, Inclusion is having a voice at the table, Belonging is having your voice heard at the table.”

She went on to commend Dagbreek School for bridging the gap between theory and practice by identifying crucial life skills and exemplifying equity in action.

A pivotal component of the event was a panel discussion that brought together diverse perspectives and voices. Esteemed experts and advocates engaged in a thoughtful exchange, illuminating the multifaceted challenges and prospects inherent in fostering equitable education for all. The panel included:

– Dr. Aune N. Victor, an education specialist from the United Nations.
– Ms. Agnes Hausiku, a passionate advocate for youth with disabilities.
– Dr. Emma Nangolo, Dean of Students at the International University of Management (IUM).
– Ms. Lydia Matheus, a teacher from Dagbreek School.

Dr. Aune Victor delved into the challenges of policy implementation, raising pertinent questions about involving the right stakeholders during the drafting process. She stressed the necessity of comprehensive, cost-effective implementation plans to ensure policy effectiveness.

Ms. Lydia Matheus shared an inspiring initiative from Dagbreek School called the “job attachment” program. This innovative endeavour identifies students’ strengths and skills, enabling them to secure employment after leaving school. Ms. Matheus emphasized the importance of practical, hands-on experiences to equip students for success in the real world.

The lively discussions bore witness to the collective commitment to achieving educational inclusivity, captivating the audience with profound insights and experiences shared. The event concluded with closing remarks from Miss Rachel Shiweda, Technical Advisor from GIZ. Ms. Shiweda commended all participants for their efforts and reaffirmed GIZ’s dedication to supporting initiatives that champion inclusivity and equal access to education.

As society strives for a more inclusive future, events of this nature play an integral role in fostering understanding, collaboration, raising awareness nationwide, and accelerating positive change throughout Namibia.