WALVIS BAY – A youth centre in Narraville, Walvis Bay will soon be a reality after the town residents and business community raised more than N$900 000 through donations and pledges to bring the much-needed facility.
The funds were raised during a glitzy annual mayoral gala dinner that was held on Saturday evening at the town.
Walvis Bay is one of the towns which, despite its rich resources, battles high rates of unemployment among the youth, resulting in the current multi-purpose centre failing to cater for all the needs of the youth in the coastal town.
The Mayoral Relief Fund was established to assist the vulnerable members of the community.
Last year, the fund raised N$630 000 and also received 110 assistance requests for over N$1 million from members of the public. Of these requests, only 20 are still pending.
According to Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes, his office has been receiving numerous requests that highlight the pressing need for youth development and empowerment initiatives for the past three years.
Hence the need for such a facility in Narraville. “Upon examining the applications for financial assistance that we have received, it became clear that one of the key solutions to addressing the social ills and contributing to the economic prosperity of our town is the establishment of another youth centre,” said Forbes.
He explained that the new centre will enable young people of Walvis Bay to engage and be empowered. It would also be a safe space for them to learn, grow in life, and develop important life skills.
Forbes said by investing in the youth they will be investing in the future of the town.
He further said the centre will not only offer a wide range of opportunities for personal growth, but will also help in addressing some of the challenges the town faces.
“By shaping our economy through supporting entrepreneurship programmes and fostering creativity, we can create an environment that encourages innovation and economic growth. Our youth have immense potential to become future leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs, driving our town to new heights and prosperity,” said Forbes.
Also speaking at the fundraiser, deputy minister of education Nathalia Goagoses said the initiative is noble and speaks directly to the council’s social responsibility towards residents without diverting funds from their
responsibilities.
Goagoses said the Mayoral Fund is one of the initiatives that speaks to the needs of the community without touching taxpayer’s funds.
“Don’t divert but be innovative to address the needs of our residents that have put us into office. Think out of the box and create different funds that can meet the unregulated and ever-growing needs of your residents. Hence, this beautiful fund is a clear example of that,” she said.
– edeklerk@nepc.com.na