KEETMANSHOOP – Deputy sports minister Emma Kantema-Gaomas says the youth, as the population segment on which the nation entrusts its future, should be relentless in their pursuit of success. 

She made these remarks in
Keetmanshoop recently, where 52 members of the youth from //Kharas, Hardap and Khomas regions received financial assistance (loans) worth N$406 000 from the National Youth Credit Scheme, which resorts under her ministry.  “Today is a celebration of your potential, your dreams, and the steps you are taking towards shaping a brighter future for yourselves and our beloved Namibia,” she told the beneficiaries. 

Kantema-Gaomas said: “This initiative is not just about financial assistance; it’s about empowering you to take control of your destiny, to transform your ideas into reality, and to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic landscape of our nation. For the year 2024, we have set our sights even higher, aiming to train and support 70 youths per region, totalling nearly 1 000 beneficiaries.” 

She encouraged the beneficiaries to seize this opportunity to be resilient in the face of challenges, and be resourceful in their endeavours. 

“The training you received has broken down barriers that prevent you from making the impossible possible, and laying a foundation for your prosperous futures, “ she added.Keetmanshoop mayor McDonald Hanse described the credit scheme as one that embodies collective efforts to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in the country – youth unemployment. “It has further provided young people with resources and support necessary to turn their aspirations into reality, fostering entrepreneurship and self-employment,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Keetmanshoop Urban constituency councillor Joseph Isaacks said the fight against poverty and unemployment in the country involves all citizens. 

“It, however, needs harmonious cooperation, training and education to counter it,” he advised. 

Isaacks, who is also the //Kharas Regional Council chairperson, said the government is playing a vital role in rolling out self-employment projects for the youth. 

The politician also told the scheme beneficiaries: “Be aware that the road ahead of you will not be an easy one. You will face competition and challenges that might discourage you, but you should apply perseverance to attain your goals.”

So far, 23 youths have been trained in the Khomas region, of whom 22 have received loans amounting to N$184 000, while in the Hardap region, 19 youths were trained, with 15 receiving loans totalling N$113 000. In the
//Kharas region, 17 youths were trained, with 15 receiving loans amounting to N$109 000.