School of Public and Allied Health Takes Learning Beyond the Classroom
The School of Public and Allied Health at Welwitchia University successfully bridged classroom theory with real-world practice through a three-day “look and learn” excursion designed to expose students to core environmental and public health functions in action.
From 28–30 October, students visited key institutions and operational sites to deepen their understanding of concepts taught in class, strengthen practical skills, and appreciate the critical role of environmental health in safeguarding communities.
On 28 October, students toured NamWater’s Von Bach Treatment Plant and Osona Village. At Von Bach, they explored the stages of bulk water treatment, from abstraction and purification to distribution, gaining insight into how safe drinking water is produced at scale. The visit to Osona Village further allowed students to appreciate how town planning, building plans, and infrastructure design support safe and healthy living environments, with particular focus on how layouts facilitate effective service delivery and environmental health protections.
The second day, 29 October, took students to the Brakwater Abattoir, where they observed abattoir operations and the stringent measures that ensure meat safety. Under supervision, students were exposed to meat inspection procedures, hygiene and sanitation standards, and the protocols used to prevent zoonotic diseases from entering the human food chain. This hands-on experience underscored the importance of environmental health officers in upholding public health along the farm-to-fork continuum.
On 30 October, the group visited Port Health Services at Eros Airport. Here, students examined how disease surveillance is implemented at points of entry, including traveler screening, inspection processes, and aircraft disinfection. Officials also highlighted the practical application of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), demonstrating how Namibia meets global obligations to detect, assess, and respond to public health threats that may cross borders.
Across the three days, the excursion reinforced a powerful lesson: environmental health is not only taught in lecture halls, it is experienced, observed, and practiced in the field. By engaging directly with professionals, systems, and facilities, Welwitchia University students gained invaluable experiential learning that will strengthen their competence and confidence as future environmental and public health practitioners.
The School of Public and Allied Health remains committed to innovative, practice-oriented training that prepares graduates to address Namibia’s evolving public health and environmental challenges with skill, integrity, and impact.