A Kalkrand youth has urged the government to invest in skills development infrastructure to tackle the village's socio-economic challenges.

Brandon Titus envisions a vibrant Kalkrand, shedding its "sleeping village" label. 

Speaking to NBC News, the 'Build Together' volunteer called for a local vocational training centre (VTC) to equip youth with practical skills and counter social ills like drug abuse and prostitution.

"Kalkrand has potential, but it's known as a sleepy town," Titus said. "Young people are unemployed, frustrated, and idle. A VTC would change this narrative."

Titus noted that, like many Namibian villages, Kalkrand struggles with limited economic activity, poor education access, and school dropouts lacking skills for jobs or businesses. A VTC could teach construction, plumbing, welding, and trades while boosting local development.

Kalkrand Village Council Chairperson Magritta !Karas backed the call, linking unemployment to teenage pregnancies, alcohol abuse, and drug dependency.

"We must understand why social problems are rising," she said. "When youth lack activities or jobs, they become idle and vulnerable."

!Karas said the new council, which took office last month, is launching youth projects to keep them occupied.