The Deputy Minister of Marginalised Communities Royal |Ui|o|oo has encouraged marginalised youth to prioritise education if they are to take up leadership positions.

|Ui|o|oo was speaking at the workshop of the elected leaders of the Indigenous Marginalised Youth Organisation of Namibia (IMYON).

The training is for representatives from all regions and is aimed at empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to fulfil their roles.

Indigenous marginalised youth will also be taught their rights to enable them to fully stand up for themselves while also representing others.

|Ui|o|oo says being part of the organisation means they are called to lead, and that requires education.

"Education is number one; why is that the only tool to fight them? If we have truly educated people like the lawyers here, we will achieve something. Like you, you are also learning, and from here, take the message back home."
 
UN Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo has called on the marginalised youth to maximise building on their leadership skills.

"They will take you far, right? Please do that, waste no time, and make the most of it because opportunities like this don't come all the time and they don't come for everyone, so you are lucky. You are fortunate to be here. Make the most of it."

The UN will engage the participants in the UN declaration on the rights of indigenous people.

National Youth Council Board Representative Beverly Silas-!Garas says the elected leaders of Indigenous Marginalised Youth Organisations should not lose focus on their purpose.

"May you always remember that you are here to serve and advance the rights of indigenous youth and indigenous people. As the leader of IMYON, I would like to remind you that you are here not because someone did you a favour but because you qualify to be here regardless of your various backgrounds. You are capable leaders."

The weeklong training is sponsored by the United Nations.