The donation of land measuring 6,000 square metres has given a boost to plans to construct a Community Skills Development Centre in Luderitz. 

Luderitz Town Council officially handed over the donated land to COSDEC Benguela.

COSDEC Benguela opened its doors in Luderitz in 2009, offering computer literacy and needle courses. 

The training centre, with a student intake of more than 200 per year, currently offers six TVET courses, among others in plumbing, welding, and hospitality. 

The centre is currently housed in a building donated by ICEIDA, but it finds it difficult to operate effectively due to the limited space. 

Justin Ellis, COSDEC Board of Trustees member, says, "COSDEC therefore entered into MoUs with Namport, the Ministry of Education, Angra Pequena Secondary School, and others to provide for additional space for training. As we speak, training is offered at four different sites, making it challenging to effectively monitor and coordinate all the activities."

Mayor of Luderitz, Benjamin McKay, reaffirmed the council's commitment to youth empowerment. 

"Despite the mandatory expectations of service delivery, it must be noted that education and empowering our youth will remain one of the key priorities of the town of Luderitz. I am also of the opinion that education is key to the development of any town because it is a sector that can groom and build our human capital. Education will remain central to addressing the complex challenges of skills shortages and skills development, including social and economic challenges."

Maria Uusiku, Acting Manager of COSDEC Benguela, invited stakeholders to come on board in realising the construction of the new skills development centre.