Outapi
President Hage Geingob and First Lady Monica Geingos donated N$10 000 to a young man who manufactured a vehicle from recycled materials.
The talent of 23-year-old Kareb Soini from Oshiputushakaone village near Outapi in Omusati saw him build an aircraft.
The plane, which he built with an engine of an old car, cannot take off but moves on the ground.
The young man who named his vehicle after the former governor of Omusati Sophia Shaningwa showcased his innovation to the first couple during the official opening of the Outapi-Omafo road on Friday.
“We are going to give you N$10 000, because unlike other youth that are just sleeping, roaming around the streets and not doing anything, you are doing something for yourself. Keep up the good work. This is how major innovations start,” said Geingob.
The president called on the community to support hard-working youth with innovative skills like Soini.
Soini said he is just a Grade 8 dropout and has never been on a plane. He built his vehicle last year using second-hand materials and has inspired many across the country.
His only qualification – apart from his Grade 8 report – is a six-months welding certificate, which he obtained from Katutura Youth Enterprise Centre (KAYEC).
Apart from building seemingly unflightworthy aircraft, Soini also created a zebra from metal objects. He said welding is not really his passion, but he has a dream of studying engineering, as he wants to manufacture aircraft.