Lahja Nashuuta
The Omaludi Agricultural Festival, hosted by the Okongo Village Council, became more than a celebration of culture and tradition as various entities flock to market their products and services to the region.
Among the institutions that attracted hundreds of festivalgoers was Community Skills Development Centre (COSDEC) through an exhibition showcasing a variety of proudly Namibian-made products produced by beneficiaries from different regions of the country.
The exhibition featured leather products, cultural crafts, and modern creative innovations, highlighting the impact of vocational skills training in transforming lives and creating sustainable livelihoods within communities.
In an interview with New Era during the festival, Oyetu Project Manager Samuel Paavo Sheyanena said the initiative continues to play a significant role in empowering vulnerable and marginalised communities through practical skills development and mentorship.
“The Oyetu Project is not only about training people. It is about restoring dignity, creating opportunities, and giving hope to communities that often have limited access to economic opportunities,” he said.
Sheyanena explained that the project, commonly referred to as the “moving classroom,” takes practical skills training directly to communities through an outreach model designed to reach people where they live.
“Many talented people in rural communities do not have access to vocational training institutions. Through Oyetu, we take the training to the people and equip them with skills that can help improve their livelihoods and promote self-reliance,” he added.
Established in 2015, the Oyetu Project has expanded across 12 regions in Namibia and successfully established 26 community-based craft groups.
Through free training, mentorship, and business support, beneficiaries have acquired innovative craft-production skills that continue to generate income and improve household livelihoods.
One of the highlights at the festival was the participation of Aron Oaeib, a San beneficiary from the Skoonheid Oyetu-trained leather craft group, whose live leather craft demonstrations attracted significant attention from visitors.
His participation became a powerful symbol of inclusion and empowerment for marginalised communities.
According to Sheyanena, Oaeib’s story demonstrates the enormous potential that exists within vulnerable communities when they are given access to skills development opportunities.
“Communities such as the San people possess incredible talent and creativity. What they need is opportunity, support, and mentorship. Once empowered, they can actively participate in the economy and improve their living conditions,” he said.
During his stay in the northern regions, Oaeib is expected to visit San communities in Ohangwena and Oshikoto to inspire others and encourage them to participate in skills development initiatives.
The festival also provided COSDEC Ondangwa with an opportunity to share information about the vocational training programmes offered through COSDEF’s network of eight COSDEC centres across Namibia.
Visitors were educated on the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in addressing unemployment, poverty, and economic inequality.
Sheyanena described the public response at the festival as encouraging and inspiring.
“The interest shown by festival visitors proves that communities are eager for opportunities that can help them improve their lives. Skills development remains one of the strongest tools in fighting poverty, unemployment, and dependency,” he said.
He further called on stakeholders, institutions, and development partners to continue supporting community-driven empowerment initiatives such as the Oyetu Project.
“We believe sustainable development begins with empowering ordinary people with practical skills and opportunities. When communities are empowered, the entire nation benefits,” he added.
– lnashuuta@nepc.com.na