The Governor of the Hardap Region, Riaan Mcnab, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to empowering young people through education, training and employment opportunities.
He was speaking at the third cohort of the Youth for Green Hydrogen scholarship inauguration held at Stampriet.
Launched in 2022, more than five thousand applicants applied for the scholarship designed to expand opportunities for youth from the Hardap and ||kharas Regions.
It focused on postgraduate studies in disciplines aligned to renewable energy and the emerging green hydrogen economy.
Following a rigorous selection process, ninety-three successful applicants were awarded the scholarships, valued at N$25 million, facilitated by the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASCAL) and funded by the German government.
“The emergence of the green hydrogen industries presents Namibia with a unique opportunity to position itself as a leader in the global energy transition. However, the success of this industry will depend not only on infrastructure and technology but more on the viability of a skilled, innovative and capable workforce. Therefore, programmes such as the Youth for Green Hydrogen scholarship are critical in ensuring that our young people are equipped with the technical and vocational competencies required to participate meaningfully in this transformative sector,” added McNab.
SASSCAL’s Executive Director Professor Nelago Indongo, said the successful scholarship awarding completion reflects collective commitment to transparency, accountability and equal opportunity.
“It also demonstrates the strong partnership of Namibia and Germany and the shared commitment to investing in the future of our youth.”
The recipients are enrolled at the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), Africa Institutional Management Services (AIMS) and Johanna Jacobs vocational centres in the Hardap and ||kharas regions.
“Our youth have shown us with just a little bit of discipline and education they can change their outlook on life,” noted the Director, from the Johanna Jacobs Vocational Centre, Stephen Vries.
“We don't just train our students for our nation; we train our students for the world. So, you take this opportunity, you run with that, and you make the best of it,” said NIMT Head of Theoretical Training, Imelda Handoenge.
“The programme is achieving its objective of equipping trainees with the skills, knowledge and capabilities needed to succeed. And as Namibia today is positioning itself as the leader in green hydrogen development, the need for a skilled workforce continues to only grow,” said Vice Chairman of the AIMS Board of Trustees Theresia !Aochamus.
A recipient and trainee from AIMS Vocational Centre Chantelle Kaffer, expressed her appreciation.
“Thanking you for investing in a woman, mother, and housekeeper who wanted more. Because of you, I will not just fix cars; I will drive my family forward. I will make this opportunity count.”