The National Information Workers Association Successfully Ushered in the New Executive Committee Members
The National Information Workers Association (NIWAN) successfully ushered in a dynamic team as their new incoming executive committee members during their special general meeting (AGM) which was held on the 15th May 2024. The meeting was held at the National Library of Namibia, Windhoek. This was in line with the requirements of the constitution. It is expected that through this smooth and transformative chapter, the newly elected leaders will help to advance NIWAN’s mission of empowering information professionals and enriching the communities by empowering them with relevant information and knowledge. The meeting was attended by 28 participants of which twenty-five 25 members attended in-person while three (3) attended online through Google Meet.
The newly elected executive members are expected to continue uniting all information workers in Namibia in an autonomous and representative body (NIWAN) and promote equitable access to quality and relevant information and knowledge help to support social, economic, scientific and cultural development in Namibia as per the expected output highlighted in the vision and mission of the association. At this same event, the President presented her report where she outlined the milestones achieved on the planned activities and challenges encountered. Additionally, she extended her sincere gratitude for everyone’s unwavering support during their tenure of office. Furthermore, Ms. Dunn, the out-going treasurer also presented the financial report for 2023/ 2024.
Dr. Chiku Mchombu and Ms. Esther Tobia had an opportunity of sharing the lessons and best practices and/or recommendations drawn from the Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL XXVI) which took place in Mombasa, Kenya from 22- 26 April 2024 which was held under the theme re-imaging information products and services for the digital era. Members were also informed that this year’s conference paid tribute to the unsung heroes and heroines whose behind-the-scenes work have been instrumental in shaping the SCECSAL landscape and among them were Prof. Kingo Mchombu – In recognition of his leadership in LIS, contribution to SCECSAL and knowledge generation in LIS focusing on the role of libraries, information and knowledge in development, and contribution to SCECSAL while Prof. Ellen Ndeshi Namhila, Namibia Information Workers Association (NIWAN) in 2000. The awards which were handed over to the Namibian delegation in their absence were presented to them at this meeting.