WALVIS BAY – Namibian youth need to be exposed to industries such as mining, agriculture and port operations so that they actively venture into career opportunities in those industries, said Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Port Authority (Namport), Bisey Uirab, during the official opening of the three-day Namport 20th Anniversary Schools Exhibition that ended on Friday last week at Walvis Bay.
According to Uirab the mining, agriculture and fishing industries as well as the maritime sector are of the country’s biggest industries in which Namibians must actively participate.
“We must strive to develop our natural resources in such a way that it contributes to the country’s economic development that will guarantee ordinary Namibians access to basic needs and social amenities. We must be able to mould our current youth so that they become responsible citizens that would be directly involved in the responsible exploitation of our resources,” Uirab explained.
He was concerned that not many Namibians realise the importance of local involvement in the value addition process of the country’s natural resources.
“Many may not realise how important our natural resources are and I’m doubtful that we are fully utilising it. Therefore, we must empower our people to educate themselves so that they can actively get involved in the exploitation of our natural resources. Look at our marine resources. It has much more to officer, therefore it is important that we bring forth the full value of it and explore it to the benefit of all Namibians,” he said.
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations Namport held an exhibition of its activities for six schools from the Karas and Erongo regions. The aim of the exhibition was to give learners insight into the operations of Namport and also broaden their mindset when it comes to choosing a career in the maritime industry.
Walvis Bay’s Duneside High School was the overall winner of the schools’ exhibition competition and scooped N$20 000, while Lüderitz Junior Secondary School took second place and walked away with N$15 000. The Duinesig Combined School also from Walvis won N$10 000 for third place. The learners’ exhibition showed the type of support Namport offered learners over the past 20 years.