Mariental: Learners from across Mariental are attending a two-day career fair which started on Thursday, with organisers encouraging young people to explore career opportunities and make informed decisions about their education and future professions.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the event, organised in collaboration with Triumphant College and various stakeholders, has brought together tertiary institutions, employers, and professionals to expose learners to education, training, and career opportunities.
Officially opening the fair, Mariental Municipality councillor William Minnie described the initiative as an investment in the future of Namibia's youth, saying the country's development depends on the skills and potential of its young people. "Young people are not problems to be solved. Young people are agents of change, innovators, entrepreneurs, workers, leaders, and nation-builders," Minnie said.
He noted that youth unemployment remains one of Namibia's greatest challenges and urged learners not to allow their circumstances to limit their ambitions. "Do not allow your circumstances to define your future. Do not allow poverty to convince you that success is reserved for others," he said, adding that every profession contributes to nation-building and economic development.
Minnie further called for stronger partnerships between government, educational institutions, and the private sector to create employment opportunities, strengthen vocational training, and support entrepreneurship among young people.
Mariental Municipality councillor Hermanus Isaaks encouraged learners to make full use of the exhibition by engaging with institutions and professionals. He urged learners to ask questions and seek guidance, saying the knowledge gained during the fair could influence important decisions about their futures. Isaaks also commended Triumphant College and participating stakeholders for investing in the development of Namibia's youth through career guidance initiatives.
Triumphant College Corporate Image Officer Pendukeni Hamukwaya echoed the call for learners to participate actively, saying the information shared during the event could have a lasting impact. "Take this opportunity seriously, ask questions and make the most of the knowledge being shared. Although this is a two-day event, the information and guidance provided can have a lasting and meaningful impact on your future," Hamukwaya said.
He also thanked participating leaders, institutions, and exhibitors for supporting the initiative and helping to empower learners with information on education and career opportunities. The career fair features exhibitions, career guidance sessions, and interactions with higher education institutions and industry representatives aimed at helping learners make informed decisions about their future education and employment.