The Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service, Agnes Tjongarero, says she is pleased with the National Youth Service programmes such as civic training, which she said instills discipline and cultivates a sense of volunteerism among the trainees.
Tjongarero said this at the 13th Pass-out Parade at Reitfontein in the Otjozondjupa Region.
Tjongarero says NYS plays a pivotal role in mobilising youths to contribute to the country's economic development goals as well as in fighting poverty.
Through technical and vocational skills, young people will also be better prepared to respond to labour market needs.
"I am pleased to learn that the efforts of NYS align with national development agendas such as Harambee Prosperity Plan 2, National Development Plan and Vision 2030. Through national service education, trained youth become more informed and understand their role and responsibility as active citizens. The training has equipped the youth with a thorough understanding of the Namibian democratic system and an appreciation of values that are meant to govern Namibian society."
The National Youth Service Board Chairperson, Dr Emmerentia Leonard, says the NYS has intensified revenue generation initiatives to increase its intakes.
"To date, the service has successfully implemented the Poultry Enterprise, which has reached its full capacity of 3700 eggs per day. The service has also planted vegetables on 3.5 hectares of land, and harvesting is envisioned for October or November. The other two projects, namely Lucerne Production on 16 hectares and Bee Enterprise, are at an advanced stage of implementation with full production expected in early 2023. Proceeds from these projects will be directed towards improving youth programmes and funding NYS general operations."
On behalf of the Otjozondjupa Governor, the Regional Council's Chairperson, Marlayn Mbakera, called on companies to provide employment opportunities to NYS trainees, even on a voluntary basis.
"As a leader of the Otjozondjupa region, I am cognizant of the many challenges that institutions face in securing voluntary services, industrial attachments, and jobs for their trainees and graduates, which negatively affects the NYS mandate on creating employment opportunities for its graduates.
This year a total of 385 trainees from all the country's 14 regions completed the National Service training, which commenced in May this year.