The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, has reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all youths are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the economy and society.

Dr. Steenkamp made these remarks at the 6th National Youth Service Graduation ceremony, where 130 trainees graduated in technical vocational education at the Rietfontein Centre in the Otjozondjupa Region.

She said the trainees’ graduations are proof that the government is transforming the education and training systems into powerful engines of social progress and economic resilience.

"The President of the Republic of Namibia has consistently reiterated that the future of our country lies in empowering our youth through practical and sustainable initiatives. These initiatives focus on creating decent jobs, enhancing technical and entrepreneurial skills, and fostering self-reliance."

She said transforming vocational centres into advanced technical institutions will equip trainees with practical skills that are responsive to the demands of the labour market.

First Gentleman Epaphras Ndaitwah gave a motivational speech, urging the graduates to take advantage of government programmes. "The Youth Development Fund we are talking about has already started working; it's a good amount of money which I know you are going to take advantage of. It's N$27 million; it's not a small amount of money, but it's money that should be divided so that it benefits us all."

 A trainee, Sarah Mwilima, spoke on behalf of the graduates about how the NYS has empowered young people. "The National Youth Service has equipped us with important combinations of resources essential to life and the economy. We have mastered ourselves; we leave here embodying the core values that every employer seeks."

The Otjozondjupa Regional Governor, John ||Khamuseb and the NYS Board Member, Joel Akudhenga, also spoke at the event.

||Khamuseb said, "The youth are increasingly engaging in transformative programmes, equipping themselves with the skills needed to navigate and shape the ever-changing world."

Colonel Akudhenga, on his part, said, "These remarkable graduates have undergone rigorous training in technical education vocations, training trades that equipped them with practical skills and knowledge required to contribute meaningfully to Namibia's national development agenda."