Rudolf Gaiseb 

The National Youth Development Fund is the key highlight in youth development initiatives this year. 

The Youth Desk of the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) attests that targeted finance and enterprise support garners job creation, income generation and skills development. 

This, alongside other digital economy, innovation and creative sectors, is recognised as a potential area for increased investment. This was discussed during a workshop on Thursday by the youth desk, which brought together civil, faith-based and government youth organisations to reflect on the year’s youth development programmes. 

CCN social justice advocate and programme coordinator Uhuru Dempers noted that the new budget is youth-friendly and includes a surge in internships and work-integrated learning. 

“It aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing students’ skills and readiness for the workforce through partnerships with industry or community organisations,” he said. 

While highlighting these developments, Dempers also highlighted that youth unemployment remains an issue. 

These result in various forms of hunger, destitution, school dropouts, prostitution, and homelessness. Increasing challenges of mental health and an increase in suicides, especially by boys and men, were also highlighted. This is followed by alarming cases of massive corruption in the public sector. 

Meanwhile, the theme of the gathering was ‘Namibia at a Crossroad: Reflecting on Youth Development and Reimagining the Future’. And aimed to solidify youth partnerships to foster growth and advancement. 

Interim National Youth Council Chairperson Kennedy Kariseb, however, urged youth not to be dismayed, but to unite against systematic barriers. 

He recognised that economic uncertainties weigh heavily on the dreams of young people, and democratic governance is being tested by evolving local and global pressures. 

“Namibia has young people with world-class talent, but limited pathways to convert that talent into livelihoods. It has youth communities with ideas, solutions, and creativity, but who are too often excluded from decision-making,” he said. 

He noted that rural young people who remain disconnected from resources and opportunities, including vulnerable groups, young women, persons with disabilities, and unemployed graduates, need targeted and sustained support. Kariseb reaffirmed NYC’s commitment to work with youth, challenge systems, and build solutions. 

Meanwhile, Youth Desk coordinator Yolandé Sabatta said that the workshop was the first of its kind and aims to strengthen collaboration among various youth-led and youth-serving organisations, while co-creating a path forward for youth development for the future. 

Additionally, the youth recommended that the office of the president initiate dialogue with the youth while also appointing a youth advisor for the office. 

While highlighting the youth-focused agenda of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, they advocate that youth perspectives and ideas be heard in tackling the challenges youth face. 

-rrgaiseb@gmail.com