The Omaheke Region hosted its first-ever regional career fair in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC).
The inaugural Regional Career Fair, which will now be held annually, forms part of a nationwide initiative set to rotate such events across all regions of the country.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Dino Ballotti, described the event as a historic beginning.
"Today will be the inaugural career fair day in the mighty Omaheke Region, and I assure you that we will come back next year and the year thereafter and the year thereafter."
Also speaking at the career fair, Pijoo Nganate, Governor of the Omaheke Region, emphasised the importance of working together to support young people.
"The success of our youth requires collaboration between all stakeholders and the learners themselves. Platforms such as this career fair are practical expressions of that collaboration, and we must continue to strengthen and replicate them."
About 1,500 learners from 7 constituencies across Omaheke attended the event, aimed at exposing them to career opportunities and future pathways.
Rocco Nguvauva is the Chairperson of the Omaheke Regional Council, who adds, "Your presence here today reflects our shared commitment to empowering the youth, the young people of the region, through education and hope. Education is the most powerful instrument for transformation, an instrument that breaks cycles of poverty, builds confidence and prepares our youth to contribute meaningfully to the national development. Education cannot succeed in isolation; it requires strong collaboration between government, schools and tertiary institutions, both public and private."
Speaking on behalf of the business community, Chairperson of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) in Omaheke, Kaiko Tjiramba, encouraged learners to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship.
"It means our government recognises that growth must be driven by young innovators, and it is you, the young people and learners of today. As young Namibians, we are the architects of our own destiny. Let us not wait for opportunities; let us create them."