The Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Services, Emma Kantema-Goamas, has called on the youth to explore their talents and create employment for themselves.

Kantema-Gaomas made the call at the launch of the Make-a-thon Challenge, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Namibia.

The four-day challenge aims to showcase young Namibians' talents by creating pieces that capture the essence of Namibia's awe-inspiring beauty and rich cultural heritage.

In her address, Kantema-Gaomas noted that the creative industry would erase the challenge of mental health.

"The creative industry is an avenue to create employment because we know we are faced with this challenge and we need to diversify it. The creative industry is also one way to erase the challenge of mental health. It is relaxing, and it is not only for commercial purposes but also for transforming lives."

Also speaking at the event was Elzane Ludeke, co-founder of Fabrica.

"Fabrica wants to bridge those barriers and create opportunities to improve and extend business opportunities for the economic growth of the country while also experiencing our true Namibian culture and rich diversity."

The Resident Representative for UNDP in Namibia, Alka Bhatia, says the creative industry does not get the attention it deserves, even though it has the potential to contribute to the youth workforce.

"It is never thought of as a very thriving sector of the economy, and I think what it can contribute is very important to the economy, which is why it is not getting the attention it should."

25 participants will be exhibiting their talents, such as designing, filmmaking, visual art, textiles, homeware crafts, and leather goods.

One of the participants, Euginia Bernard, commended the stakeholders for the initiative.

"I will be making a dress inspired by the Welwitschia Mirabilis, which is a natural plant of Namibia, and the fish eagle. The dress will be incorporated with some beadwork that comes from the Kavango Region."