The country’s ongoing need to address the shortage of Work- Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities for students has resulted in the Social Security Commission (SSC) commiting N$200 000 to the Namibia National Internship Programme (NNIP). 

This is to increase the programme’s intake capacity, which currently only stands at 300 trainees per annum.

SSC is the sixth institute to contribute to the programme, joining the likes of Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP), Momentum Metropolitan Foundation, Old Mutual, Standard Bank Namibia and MTC. 

This collaboration is being harnessed for the growth and continuity of the programme, a national vehicle for making available internship opportunities for the development of young Namibians, and achieving a knowledge-based economy for the country.

Milka Mungunda, SSC chief executive officer, said: “SSC is proud to be a part of this partnership, which exemplifies national commitment to fostering youth development and the employability of graduates. This partnership is in line with our mission and vision to improve the quality of the lives of the most vulnerable, and to create a pool of a skilled and educated young workforce.”

She added that this initiative will impact the lives of many deserving Namibians, and directly address the critical gap in work-integrated learning.  

“With this donation, we are investing in the future of our work-force and future SSC members. Together, we can ensure that every young Namibian gains the practical experience and skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market,” said Mungunda.

MTC, as the custodian of the programme, commended the companies that extended their corporate goodwill to contribute funds to the programme, and emphasised the importance for a collective effort in addressing national challenges – urging
more companies to come on board. 

MTC’s chief human capital, marketing and corporate affairs Tim Ekandjo: “We appreciate the companies that have joined us on making available and facilitating WIL opportunities. 

Corporate Namibia understands that smart partnerships easily yield the shared desired outcome, hence, we commend and welcome SSC to
the programme. Additionally, while the programme helps students to do WIL before they graduate, it is also equipping and readying them for the job market.”