RIETFONTEIN – President Hifikepunye Pohamba last week applauded the National Youth Service (NYS) for not only educating the youth but also instilling national pride and assisting in Vision 2030.
His statement was read at the NYS graduation ceremony last Thursday where 458 youths were capped in various fields such as hospitality, auto mechanics, bricklaying and plastering, carpentry, plumbing and pipefitting, hairdressing and cosmetology. The Minister of Education, Dr David Namwandi, delivered the president’s speech as Pohamba had other equally pressing stately engagements.
Pohamba cited effective and quality education as well as skills training to be vital in the country’s Vision 2030. According to Pohamba achieving qualifications is not an end in itself but rather a means to address challenges such as slow economic growth and high unemployment that the country currently faces.
“The vocational and technical skills acquired should be used to the expansion and diversification of labour markets and industries. This will enhance our global competitiveness as a country because the rapidly changing global economy compels businesses and industries to continuously upgrade in order to remain competitive in the global market. It is in recognition of this reality that the government has developed various strategies, to create opportunities for continuous upgrading of skills,” stated Pohamba.
Pohamba believes education and training enhances an individual’s opportunity to participate fully in economic development. This strong belief and commitment to education is demonstrated by government’s decision to allocate the lion’s share of its national budget to education.
“After the National Youth Service graduation, there must be opportunities for graduates to further develop their skills as education never ends. It is therefore my advice that youth development centres, community skills development and vocational training centres and institutions of higher education work together in order to achieve equilibrium,” added Pohamba.
Among those present at the event were the Otjozondjupa Regional Governor Samuel Nuuyoma, Clemence Kashuupulwa the Governor of Oshana Region, Dr Samuel Mambo the Governor of Kavango West Region, Cleophas Mutjavikua the Governor of Erongo Region, Festus Ueitele the Governor of Omaheke Region, Penda ya Ndakolo Governor of Oshikoto Region and Lawrence Sampofu the Governor of the Zambezi Region.
By John Travolter Matali