Officials from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture held a youth consultation session in the Tsumkwe Constituency to listen to the challenges faced by young people and explore possible development opportunities.
The session was held under the theme "Unlocking the potential of youth for responsive service delivery."
Otjozondjupa Regional Youth Officer Elia Kandjii said the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between stakeholders and the ministry.
"We wanted to consult and engage the stakeholders and the young people, so the stakeholders can be able to commit their collaboration with the Ministry of Education on how we can develop their people and address their challenges. Upon that, we can deliver responsive services and programmes to them,” said Kandjii.
He added that the ministry is working with stakeholders to identify programmes and business opportunities for the youth.
During the session, young people raised their concerns and proposed solutions.
Paulus Ndara, a youth representative, said: "Unemployment is one of our major challenges and we would like to appeal to different ministries to avail grants that can be used for business opportunities. Ministries should also inform the youth about programmes that benefit them."
He added that many youth miss out on tenders because they do not have registered businesses and lack access to key information.
Haikera Andreas, another youth from Tsumkwe, said: “There’s a lack of Ju/’hoansi in schools. People also fear going to offices because of the bad attitudes they receive when making inquiries. We propose including youth in decision-making, bringing labs, libraries, computer training centres, and awareness campaigns. Allow local youth to take up jobs that don’t require qualifications, such as cleaning. Also, bring NAMCOL for upgrading.”
The youth also called for a vocational training centre to be built in the constituency and expressed concern over rising alcohol abuse, which they linked to unemployment.
Tsumkwe Constituency Control Administrative Officer, Frederika Nenghama, outlined support programmes available to youth.
“We have rural programmes to support the livelihood of the youth within the region and the constituency. I’m going to focus on Otjozondjupa. Under the rural programmes, we have the ‘cash for work’ programme that provides short-term employment,” she said.
She encouraged the youth to visit their offices to familiarise themselves with the programmes on offer.