ONGWEDIVA - Young girls and women from different regions last week received small business start-up toolkits at Oshakati stadium.
The start-up kits for over 50 beneficiaries included gardening equipment, baking utensils and hair products for those who run their salons, among others.
It was made possible through a partnership between the Ministry of Sports, Youth and National Services (MSYNS) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The items were donated to out-of-school young girls and women from Zambezi (5), Kavango East (13), Kavango West (7), Khomas (9), Oshana (11) and Oshikoto (8).
During the handover, MSYNS minister Agnes Tjongarero said it is critical for Namibia to have young women who are able to acquire skills to improve their socio-economic position and become more resilient to excel in business.
“These start up tool kits will go a long way in assisting them to take their own economic empowerment into their own hands, to work and generate more income and become resilient assets of the community,” said Tjongarero.
She also highlighted that four young women from Zambezi Vocational Training Centre, who are part of the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) programme completed a six-month training in technical trade of joinery and cabinet making.
“This intervention is making a significant impact because woodwork and craft has been predominantly male-dominated, but these young women are already making their presence felt in the industry,” the minister said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Oshana governor Elia Irimari said the recent donation forms part of ongoing efforts to provide opportunities for growth and development to the most vulnerable in society.
“The tool kits will serve as the key to unlocking the potential of young women. This will provide the necessary resources and equipment needed to enhance their own businesses, enabling self-reliance and economic empowerment,” said Irimari.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that young people have the equal opportunities to succeed and thrive. To invest in their education, skills training and entrepreneurial ventures,” Irimari further said.
Meanwhile, USAID country representative in Namibia, McDonald Homer, said that the women and girls will benefit from financial literacy education, vocational training and job placement, social asset building and mentorship.
“They received life skills training and support to establish their own businesses with the help of the start-up kits,” said Homer.
He said the beneficiaries were equipped with necessary tools to secure a sustainable livelihood and become financially independent.
The economic strengthening programme has the potential to break generational cycles of poverty, he said.