The Ministry of Youth, Sports and National Services in collaboration with UNICEF launched the UPSHIFT program in the Omaheke Region, aimed at providing skills and presenting opportunities for social entrepreneurship among young people.

The UPSHIFT project is expected to provide funding to 18 young people to come up with innovative ideas for starting any business.

Speaking at the launch Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and National Service, Emma Kantema Gaomas, reminded the youth to come up with business proposals that speak to the needs of the community.

"I implore you to seize this opportunity to empower yourself, take it with both hands because for some people opportunities come once, remember that this is an opportunity that can change your life, therefore, I am here to encourage you not to take this opportunity lightly but to make the best out of it, to UNICEF, it may look like a program but to us entrusted with this mandate, we are pleased to see that there are institutions that are coming on board to help our youth to unleash their potential."

Also speaking at the occasion was UNICEF's  Country Director Rosalia Indongo.

"It will give you the necessary skills that you were yearning for to kick starts your business ideas and we also hope that whatever you are going to pitch, the funding that you're going to receive will be put to great use, and for the leadership of the region, please help us to market the ideas for the youth to grow and sustain their businesses."

Omaheke is now the third region to benefit from this project after Khomas and Kavango East.