The Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service, Agnes Tjongarero, has urged the new recruits of the National Youth Service at Henties Bay to embrace the training and gain skills to become self-dependent and thus contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

More than 5,500 applications were received for this year's intake from all 121 constituencies.

This is the first time that the NYS Henties Bay Centre is open for activities since its closure in 2017, when the National Service Training moved to Rietfontein.

Addressing the 310 new recruits, Tjongarero reminded them of the opportunities the government is presenting to the youth.

"As you embark on this transformative journey, remember that it is you, the young minds and vibrant spirits of Namibia, that can make our nation flourish; you are the leaders of tomorrow! Therefore, take this free opportunity, work hard, embrace discipline, nurture patriotism, embody voluntarism, and cultivate a deep sense of national pride. Given the nature and intensity of the training, you should not waiver but rather persevere and endure the training through resilience up to the end."

Also speaking at the event were Erongo Governor Neville André and Jacob Hamutenya, Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Service Board.

"Namibia has one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations in Southern Africa, with over 62% of the working-age population falling between the ages of 15 and 54. This is a useful resource that we need to invest in to achieve sustainable development. Therefore, as policymakers and stakeholders in youth development, we need to focus on how well we can coordinate our efforts to create and connect services, opportunities, and support for the youth to reach their full potential and contribute towards nation-building."

"NYS was established through an Act of Parliament (NYS Act No. 6 of 2005) under the auspices of the Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Service to, amongst others, Serve as a meeting point for youth from various social and cultural backgrounds; Provide the youth with opportunities for further studies and training; Provide opportunities for the youth to take part in National development on a voluntary basis; and Encourage patriotism, a sense of nationhood, and commitment to Namibia's development," said the Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Service Board Jacob Hamutenya.