Gone are the days when young people in particular heavily relied on their guardians to foot their tuition fees and expenses.

One of the students who refused to give up on life is Foibe Shilongo, a second-year nursing student at Welwitchia University in Windhoek.

Despite not being able to secure a loan, Shilongo has overcome the challenges by using her nail technician skills to pay for her tuition fees and support her family. 

During the festive season, her business gets busy, and at times she works until midnight to meet customers’ demands.

Her story demonstrates how the informal sector has become a vital source of income for numerous individuals.

Selma Abisayi is also a hairdresser, and this is where her livelihood lies.