KALKFELD – Governor of Otjozondjupa Region Otto Iipinge has expressed disappointment that some youths have received material support from government but have underutilised such assistance.
He said the regional constituency offices have programmes that provide materials to upcoming business entrepreneurs but some beneficiaries sold the materials and are now sitting idle at home.
Iipinge was speaking during the Women’s Action for Development (WAD) graduation of several trainees, who graduated in courses such as Office Administration, Computer Training, Basic Needlework Skills, Hospitality and Tourism, last week Thursday at Kalkfeld in the Otjozondjupa Region.
“We are trying to help young people through programmes of government but they sell equipment. Then nothing will happen with the government resources. This is disappointing us as leaders,” he said.
Some youths sold equipment and used the money to buy drugs and alcohol, the governor said.
“Then after some few days they will then again approach the same offices claiming that they are in poverty and again need help,” Iipinge said. The governor, therefore, urged youths to think out of the box and fully embrace opportunities availed to them.
“Only when you are committed and disciplined will you be able to succeed and go far in life. There are many programmes in the government that can uplift your living standards and if you are not coming out you will not get access to them,” he said.
Speaking at the same event was the deputy minister of industrialisation Lucia Iipumbu, who reminded the WAD graduates that government, through the councillors’ offices, assists the public with machinery aid and other institutions such as the National Youth Council have programmes which facilitate loans for upcoming entrepreneurs.
Among these is the Youth Credit Scheme, which offers loans from a minimum of N$5,000 to a maximum of N$100,000. They are repaid over a period of 36 months.
“WAD has provided a free-of-charge training to you, despite the economic challenges. Government, through the Namibian Training Authority also made sure that WAD is able to carry out its vocational training. Your family and community members made sure they support you in whatever way, so that you will complete your training. This training was intentionally made to target the residents and those in the proximity of Kalkfeld, your first responsibility is to Kalkfeld,” she reminded the graduates.
She encouraged the graduates to see how they could use the skills they have received to start a business, even if it meant to start a community-based project, because it has many advantages such as receiving support in terms of sponsorship or raising capital. Additionally, she said, Kalkfeld has a high school drop-out rate, which will later affect the children in the future.
“Government has intervened by making education free for every Namibian child and it is our responsibility as adults in the community to motivate and encourage the young people to remain in school. As you graduate today, let the young ones understand the importance of education. It is our collective responsibility to make sure that all school-going age children, have access to education,” Iipumbu said.