The Social Security Commission Development Fund (SSC-DF), in partnership with the Community Skills Development Centre (COSDEC) Tukurenu has awarded certificates and start-up toolkits to 21 graduates in Rundu. The graduates completed a six-month programme in carpentry and woodwork training.

The six-month woodwork and carpentry course targets out-of-school and unemployed youth.

The programme comprised four months of practical and theoretical classroom instructions, followed by a two-month attachment in the industry.

Kavango East Governor, Hamunyera Hambyuka noted that the donated toolkits will help empower, open doors and create job opportunities in their communities.

"This support enables COSDEC Tukurenu to provide woodwork and carpentry training to 21 unemployed Namibians with the aim of improving their prospects of employment and self-employment. We are therefore acknowledging the Social Security's Commission Development Fund for its investment of N$1,4 million in this programme."

The Acting CEO of the Social Security Commission, Ben Nangombe, urged the graduates to make use of the toolkits for sustainable business opportunities.

"The practical kills that you have acquired are going to shape your future as you move forward as graduates of a vocational training institution. You are leaving here with skills; you are leaving here with greater confidence in what your hands can accomplish."

COSDEC Executive Manager Paavo Kamtukwata shared the vision of the center.

"We believe that access to practical training should give meaningful opportunities for training to be a turning point. However, that opportunity must be supported by relevant instructions, practical experience and realistic pathways in productive ways."

The graduates also expressed their gratitude, adding that the center has open doors for them, while appealing for job opportunities to demonstrate their skills.