The ||Kharas Youth Development Initiative has hosted a training to equip youth with essential life-saving skills.

Founder Mac Witbooi said the training aims to boost youth confidence and readiness for them to respond swiftly and effectively to community emergencies.

The two-day occupational health and safety training included lecturers from the University of Namibia.

Participants received both hands-on practical lessons and theory, with a special focus on mastering basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid skills.

"So, we conducted practical sessions with all our participants. We used mannequins to demonstrate what to do if a baby is choking and how to handle such situations."

Witbooi said his motivation to start these youth-led initiatives came from witnessing tragic incidents in his community, where lives were lost because bystanders didn't know how to provide assistance while waiting for help.

"First aid is for everyone, whether you are qualified or not. As the lecturer said yesterday, first aid is for everyone—including dogs."

Witbooi pointed out that the training was successful despite a lower turnout and encourages more youth from the region to participate in such training to build their skills set.

"When opportunities arise, I want my fellow youth to take advantage of them. You gain skills that are valuable in your daily life. I believe it is not only about earning certificates but also about acquiring knowledge and skills that make you a better person in life."

The programme also included a mental health awareness session for participants.

Participants also received certificates in basic first aid and CPR.