The information-sharing session, held under the theme "From Dialogue to Action", was organised by the Grootfontein Indigenous San Youth Development Committee, in collaboration with the Ghetto Youth Organisation and Dream to Destiny Youth Organisation.
The Social Security Commission, which was represented during the engagement, informed participants about its funding support for accredited training providers, noting that it is yet to fund projects specifically aimed at youth upliftment in Grootfontein.
"It is time now. We came here in May with a roadshow about this project. Let's hope those that have attended the roadshow in May have submitted something which is of good quality and also viable; then it should be considered, but currently there's nothing funded within Grootfontein town," states manager of the Service Center at SSC, Sakaria Alweendo.
AgriBank outlined financing opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging young people to take advantage of its youth-focused agricultural and business financing products to establish sustainable enterprises.
Business Consultant at AgriBank, Evans Mwangula, adds, "If you benefit from us, whether you are a start-up or you are already on board, we have that free mentorship. After approval of the loan we are taking those people to be trained in their different disciplines.
NamPol was also represented to encourage the youth to stay on the right side of the law while reporting crimes timely.
Participants also had an opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with representatives from the institutions on the programmes and services they offer.
The session was attended by community members, youth leaders and representatives from various institutions.
Organisers said the engagement aimed to connect young people with institutions, improve access to information and encourage greater youth participation in development initiatives.
They added that creating stronger partnerships between communities and service providers is key to ensuring young people are equipped with the knowledge and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to local development.