YO! to host skill development, business training
Youth unemployment remains a pressing concern in Namibia, with the Namibia Labour Force Survey of 2023 reporting a 38.41% unemployment rate among the country’s youth. In response to this ongoing crisis, Youth Opportunity (YO!) announced a 3-day Skills-Based Entrepreneurial Training workshop in Windhoek, designed to equip 45 young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with vital skills and entrepreneurial knowledge.The workshop, set to take place from 1 to 3 October at the Khomas Regional Council, aims to provide participants with the tools to create their own employment opportunities and reduce the burden on Namibia’s formal job market. The training will focus on youth who face significant barriers to employment, including those with disabilities, HIV, incomplete education, or unemployment.
Participants will receive hands-on training in crocheting and knitting, hydroponics, and basket weaving using recycled materials. The initiative aims to foster economic independence by providing each participant with basic starter kits, allowing them to immediately apply their new skills and begin generating income. This approach is designed to encourage a culture of self-reliance, helping youth to escape the cycle of poverty and unemployment.
In addition to the technical skills, the programme will include a business simulation segment as part of its entrepreneurship training. Participants will engage in Business Today International Simulations, where they will run mock businesses, learning how different roles and departments function together to create value. This practical, real-world approach aims to enhance their decision-making abilities and accountability, preparing them for the challenges of managing their own businesses.
YO!’s initiative seeks to create a new generation of micro-entrepreneurs who can contribute to reducing Namibia’s youth unemployment rate while fostering sustainable development.
For more information or to confirm attendance, interested parties can contact Miina Shakela, Project Coordinator, at +264 81 141 5593 or via email at [email protected].