Rehoboth youth fund secures N$180 000
The Rehoboth Town Council has secured more than N$180 000 in cash pledges towards its newly launched Mayoral Youth Development Fund, signalling a renewed effort to expand opportunities for young people in the town.
The Fund was officially launched by the Office of the Mayor during a gala dinner at Amazing Waters in Rehoboth, bringing together government officials, regional and local authority representatives, private-sector partners, development stakeholders and community leaders. The initiative aims to support young people through skills development, entrepreneurship and greater participation in the local economy.
Among the commitments made at the event was a N$63 000 training pledge from the International Training College of Lingua. The funding will enable three students to enrol for an accredited course of their choice.
Loxton Butchery also pledged practical support for 10 emerging piggery farmers. The beneficiaries will receive training and, after completing the programme, a start-up package of three pigs each. One of the most significant commitments came from the Social Security Commission, which agreed to become the Fund's founding partner and pledged support for more than three years.
The partnership is expected to strengthen the Fund's long-term sustainability while placing emphasis on accountability, fairness and transparency. A beneficiary selection process will be established to ensure that support reaches young people who genuinely need it and are able to make effective use of the opportunities offered.
“We thank the already pledged and committed support and continue to work on strategies from the Office of the Mayor and beyond to ensure that our young people are capacitated and empowered,” Mayor of Rehoboth Jacky ≠Khariseb said.
The Mayor said the town must prepare its youth for emerging industries rather than wait for opportunities to arrive before developing the necessary skills. “Moreover, we must also think beyond today. We are preparing our young people for the economy that is coming,” he said, pointing to opportunities linked to green hydrogen, the emerging oil, gas and petroleum sectors and other industries.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture and Patron of the Fund, Dino Balloti, described the initiative as a courageous step by a local authority. He said local government should not focus only on immediate service delivery and infrastructure needs, but should also consider how to prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders. Balloti stressed that youth development could not be achieved by one sector alone, saying government, local authorities, businesses and young people themselves all have a role to play in creating an environment where young people can build sustainable futures.
“Your investment in this Fund is not charity. It is one of the wisest economic decisions that you will make,” Balloti said, arguing that a skilled and economically active youth population would contribute to Namibia's future prosperity. The Patron further pledged to use his platforms and influence to keep Rehoboth's youth at the centre of discussions on development, employment and economic participation.
With the initial commitments secured, the Office of the Mayor is expected to continue engaging potential partners while developing systems to ensure that the Fund provides sustainable, measurable and inclusive opportunities.
For young people in Rehoboth, the initiative is intended to translate financial and institutional support into practical opportunities in education, training and enterprise development.
