Zebaldt Ngaruka
GOBABIS – Omaheke education director Constance Wantenaar described the first-ever Omaheke Career Fair as a success.
The event took place at Gobabis showgrounds last week.
About 1 500 learners from the region’s seven constituencies attended the event, which was aimed at exposing them to different career opportunities and future pathways.
Reflecting during an interview with New Era, Wantenaar said the success of the Omaheke Career Fair is a clear demonstration of what is possible when vision meets commitment and institutions unite behind a common purpose.
Wantenaar added that the career fair was not just an exhibition of stands and brochures but a bridge between aspiration and opportunity.
“This prestigious event provided clarity where there was uncertainty, direction where there was confusion, and hope where there were doubts,” said the director.
In alignment with the vision of the education ministry, Wantenaar said Omaheke will remain committed to expanding access to education, skills development and employability pathways for all the young people in the region.
She said that the maiden event marked the beginning of sustained collaboration between education, training institutions and industries.
“The responsibility to guide and mentor our youth does not end today but must continue in our schools, our offices and our communities,” she emphasised.
Furthermore, Wantenaar commended the organising committee under the auspices of Violet Simataa, the exhibitors, training institutions, industry partners, school principals, teachers and learners.
“To our learners, you have seen possibilities at this event. The next step is yours to pursue your goals with discipline, courage and determination,” she said.
Wantenaar also commended the entire team for upholding professionalism, coordination and excellence in execution.
“Together, we are shaping futures. Our political leadership in Omaheke is commendable and inspiring,” she said, and appreciated the support from the region’s governor, Pijoo Nganate, and the presence of deputy education minister Dino Ballotti at the event.
Furthermore, Epukiro Secondary School’s head boy, Mupangure Tjinae, told this publication that the event was an exciting opportunity created for the learners to make their choices.
“It was something new, but worth noting is that many institutions, including banks, provided relevant information required. It was tremendously educational, although it lacked variety of options, and it was profoundly filled with a dedicated atmosphere of learners and staff,” he said.
Institutions present at the Omaheke Career Fair were the University of Namibia, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia College of Open Learning, Namibia Students’ Financial Assistance Fund, International University of Management, Welwitchia University, Namibia Training Authority, Gobabis VTC, Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology, Community Skills Development Centre, Katutura Youth Enterprise Centre (KAYEC), Namibian Police Force, Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, Bank Windhoek, and Standard Bank Namibia.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com