In a recent opinion piece published in the Namibian Sun, advocate Prent argued that telling young people to create their own jobs is not a viable solution to unemployment. Prent's comments come at a time when many young Namibians are struggling to find employment. The advocate's sentiments are echoed by many who feel that the current approach to job creation is not yielding desired results. Prent's call for change has sparked a national conversation about the need for innovative solutions to address unemployment.
According to recent statistics, Namibia's youth unemployment rate remains alarmingly high. Many young people are forced to be entrepreneurial out of necessity, but often lack the resources and support to succeed. Prent's opinion piece argues that it is time for a shift in approach, one that prioritizes the creation of job opportunities for young people. This can be achieved through a combination of government initiatives, private sector investment, and community-based programs.
One initiative that has shown promise is the SWAN trust, which recently equipped 86 Walvis Bay residents with skills to earn a living. Such programs aim to provide young people with the skills and training needed to access the job market. However, more needs to be done to address the scale of the problem. Prent's call for action has highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to job creation, one that involves all stakeholders.
The Namibian government has taken steps to address youth unemployment, including the establishment of the Namibia Youth Fund. The fund recently received a N$317m boost, but only N$90.8m has been disbursed so far. The government has also launched initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and job creation, but more needs to be done to support young people in their quest for employment.
Companies are also being encouraged to play a role in job creation. In a recent development, companies could get major tax deductions for hiring interns. This move aims to incentivize companies to provide young people with work experience and job opportunities. However, more needs to be done to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, who are often the drivers of job creation.
The issue of job creation is also linked to education and training. There have been calls for the education system to be reformed to prioritize skills development and job readiness. The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has introduced new programs aimed at equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in the job market. However, more needs to be done to ensure that young people have access to quality education and training.
As the conversation around job creation continues, it is clear that a multi-faceted approach is needed to address the issue of youth unemployment in Namibia. Prent's call for action has highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach that involves all stakeholders. The government, private sector, and civil society must work together to create job opportunities and support young people in their quest for employment.
Key points
- Advocate Prent calls for a change in approach to job creation for young people in Namibia.
