73 Swakop youth get training lifeline at ODEC

Seventy-three unemployed young people have started practical vocational training at the Open Doors Education Centre (ODEC) in Swakopmund under a new three-year programme aimed at creating pathways into employment, self-employment and further training.

The technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programme, operated by Tangeni Shilongo Namibia, was officially launched on 11 June under the theme 'From unemployment to entrepreneurship'.

Senior TVET manager Aletta 'Koesha' Martin said the first cohort was enrolled in April and is participating in intensive three-month short vocational training courses. The trainees are expected to graduate at the end of June.

“Many young people complete their schooling only to encounter another barrier, the challenge of unemployment," Martin said. "For far too many, the journey from classroom to meaningful economic participation remains uncertain."

She said the programme was developed to address this gap by creating a bridge for disadvantaged youth to move from inactivity into training, work, further education or microenterprise.

“Our objective is not merely to train young people, but to empower them to pursue employment opportunities, establish their own enterprises, access further education and vocational training and become active contributors to Namibia’s economic growth and development,” she said.

The programme will run from 2026 to 2028 and targets unemployed and disadvantaged youth between the ages of 16 and 25.

It combines practical skills training with workplace readiness, entrepreneurship development, mentorship, career guidance and stakeholder collaboration.

The first training courses include hospitality and tourism, solar energy systems and maintenance, hydroponics and urban agriculture, clothing and fashion design, leatherwork, digital literacy and graphic design, as well as entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Martin said the first intake would be followed by a second group.

Vulnerable youth

Education minister Sanet Steenkamp said the programme targets vulnerable and unemployed youth who are out of school and not participating in any form of education or training.

“Approximately 30% of young Namibians between the ages of 14 and 24 fall into this vulnerable category. Many face limited access to training opportunities, employment prospects and economic participation,” the minister said.

Steenkamp said TVET must be linked to the needs of the economy and employers.

“Training cannot occur in isolation. It must be informed by the needs of industry, employers and communities. It must respond to the realities of the economy and anticipate future opportunities,” she said.

Steenkamp said ODEC should not be viewed as competing with existing training institutions but as complementing them.

The programme also places emphasis on sustainability, Martin said.

ODEC operates fully on solar power and has a hydroponic system at the centre, which she said allows participants to be introduced to renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable agricultural practices.

The programme is supported by international development partner Crossing Borders.

Martin said the long-term aim is to expand the short courses into nationally recognised vocational training programmes from 2027 onwards.