The United States Agency for International Development donated training materials to the Ministry of Sports, Youth, and National Service's Windhoek Multi-purpose Youth Resources Centre.

The donated materials will increase the capacity of the Windhoek multipurpose Youth Resource Centre, the !Nauas and the integrated Rural Youth Camp by reviving skills training.

Amongst others, plates, pots, fabric, sewing machines, blankets, and garden tools were donated to the value of about N$300,000 to train young women and girls in life skills and provide support to establish their own businesses with the help of start-up kits.

The donation will also assist young women in securing a sustainable livelihood and acquiring valuable experience in their trades to increase their employability.

The Acting USAID County Representative in Namibia, Renee Demarco, says that the donation will assist in reducing the number of young women turning to transactional sex and reducing the cycle of poverty.

"One vital component of dreams is called intensive economic strengthening. This intervention empowers young women economically and reduces their vulnerability to HIV infection. Women between the ages of 15 and 24 benefit from financial literacy education, vocational training and job placement, social asset building, and mentorship."

The Deputy Minister of Sports, Youth, and National Services, Emma Kantema-Gaomas, says the donation will assist in reducing unemployment, uplift the youth in rural areas, and impart skills to young women and adolescents.

Both the public and private sectors are urged to come on board to make a positive impact on the young generation.