Usakos tackles youth unemployment with vocational training initiative – Windhoek Observer

Niël Terblanché

The town of Usakos in the Erongo Region has launched an ambitious youth employment intervention programme to curb the scourge of youth unemployment.

The initiative, spearheaded by Usakos Mayor, Irene Simeon-Kurtz, aims to provide the town’s youth with essential funding for various vocational training programmes aimed at addressing persistent educational and unemployment challenges.

The programme emerges against a backdrop where a significant majority of young individuals entering the labour market each year find themselves trapped in a cycle of unemployment, with more than 70 percent remaining outside of employment, education, and training systems.

“Our multi-sectoral action plan is designed to bridge these gaps,” Simeon-Kurtz said while reiterating the initiative’s commitment to foster a skilled and employable youth demographic.

In a recent engagement with the community in the Hakaseb location, unemployed youth were briefed about the opportunities available at institutions across the region specializing in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

This was complemented by an educational visit to the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology in Arandis, offering insights into potential career paths within the vocational sector.

Simeon-Kurtz pointed to a collaborative effort between her office and vocational institutions to secure funding that would enable the youth of Usakos to access these training opportunities.

She said the aim is not only to equip the youth with the skills necessary for the current labour market but also to lay a solid foundation for their future success and economic independence.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy across the Erongo Region to stimulate employment creation, particularly in towns grappling with high rates of youth unemployment.

By focusing on vocational training and education, Usakos is setting a precedent for how local governments can play a pivotal role in empowering young people and driving economic growth within their communities.