RUNDU – Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare Emma Kantema said youth empowerment is an economic necessity.
This is as highlighted in the national development plans.
“Our youth are the backbone of our nation,” she said on Thursday during the University of Namibia’s Rundu Campus graduation ceremony.
A total of 426 students received certificates in various fields, including accounting and auditing, business administration, entrepreneurship and new venture management, education, heritage and conservation management and nursing science.
Among the graduates, 64% were female.
“To the graduands, remember your journey. Let resilience guide you as you enter the job market as employees or entrepreneurs.
As a mother, I would like to congratulate the parents too. They are because you are.
I would like to highlight the government’s commitment to supporting your transition into the workforce,” she said.
Kantema said the finance ministry has directed all offices, ministries and agencies to include apprenticeship and internship programmes in their budgets.
“This includes apprenticeship trainees for six months, interns for six months and graduate interns per person for two years,” she said.
Kantema highlighted her ministry’s initiatives to youth who obtained their qualifications.
“Income-Generating Activities Support Programme: Which empowers communities, especially women, to start or expand micro-businesses, prioritising support for women facing economic disparities.
“EntreprenHER Programme: This builds the capacity of women (70%) and men (30%) micro-entrepreneurs through comprehensive business and life skills training as well as a youth fund of N$200 million,” she noted.
Kantema said these programmes are part of her ministry’s efforts to foster economic empowerment and gender equality.
“For those of you who would like to start your own business, innovation is key to survive in the competitive era we are in,” she said.