Khorixas
The Minister of Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture, Jerry Ekandjo wants government to build vocational training centres (VTCs) and youth and sports offices in the country’s 121 constituencies.
He revealed this ambitious plan at meetings held with the youth from Outjo, Fransfontein, Kamanjab and Khorixas.
Ekandjo said at times his ministry might plan something for the youth in Windhoek, which might not benefit them fully because not all the youth live in Windhoek.
“I have come to hear from you. I came in order to reach out to you, hear your problems, aspirations and your dreams, Ekandjo” recently said to loud applause in Khorixas. More than 160 youth attended with transport and food organised for those from outside Khorixas by the Ministry of Sports, Youth and National Service,
Having VTCs in all 14 regions will make a difference, as they will equip the youth with the required skills, he said.
A sports stadium consisting of a tennis, basketball, volleyball and netball field with a cement floor as well as Athletic field throughout all the constituencies is part of Ekandjo’s plans for the uplifting of Namibian youth.
He also said startup, seed capital and equipment will be given to the graduates from such training centres.
“I want each constituency must have a VTC for every person. Even if you did not attend school,” Ekandjo said to applause from youths. While offices for youth officers and sports officers will be build next to constituency councillor offices with pre-fabricated materials.
An open structure will be constructed for VTCs and the same buildings will be used by students from different courses on different time, further elaborated Ekandjo.
People skilled in different fields such as welding, cooking and others will become instructors at these VTCs.
“Open structures will be setup with iron and cement floor. Those (youth) who are doing bricks can start with construction of walls while those who are welding can do their part during the welding classes,” he said.
He was concerned about Kai-//Ganaxab Youth Skills Training center and Berg Aukas certificates not being recognised by Namibian Qualifications Authority (NQA).
The reason NQA did not recognise certificates from these centres was due to the poor state of the buildings.
Kamanjab youth complained about voluntarism since it does not benefit them.
Usko Shivute, the chairperson of the Khorixas constituency youth forum gave a proposal to Ekandjo on the planned construction of tarred road from Hentis Bay to Kamanjab on how over 1000 youth could benefit.
Shivute said more than 300 youth from towns were the road runs through would be working on 300 kilometres stretch road those creating employment for the youth. Ekandjo advised Shivute to re-write the proposal and send it to the Minister of Works and Transport since this falls its mandate. Input given by the youth will be discussed with various directors and a workshop will be held with various youth representatives later this year and an increase in the budget for youth activities will be discussed and input made for the 2016/2017 financial budget.
Ekandjo complained about the lack of funds for the National Youth Services (NYS) saying that with lack of funds they will not be able to reach out to every corner of the country.