Mariental: Hardap Governor Riaan McNab on Wednesday urged learners to make informed career choices and embrace lifelong learning as the Hardap Directorate of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture launched its first Regional Career Fair in Mariental.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the three-day event, held under the theme 'Transform Your Career: Work Towards a Future of Excellence and Equal Opportunity,' brings together higher education institutions, vocational training centres, government offices, and private sector organisations to expose Grade 11 and 12 learners to academic and career opportunities.

Officially opening the fair, McNab described career guidance as one of the most important investments in young people, saying the event bridges the gap between education and employment. 'A career fair serves as an important bridge between education and employment. It provides learners with an opportunity to engage directly with professionals, explore career possibilities and gain insight into the qualifications and skills required for different professions,' he said.

He encouraged learners to engage with exhibitors, gather information on academic programmes, bursaries, and career pathways, and make career choices based on passion, ability, and purpose. McNab also highlighted the importance of digital literacy, innovation, critical thinking, and lifelong learning, saying these skills are essential for preparing young people to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Regional Director of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Paulus Lewin urged learners not to allow their circumstances to determine their future. 'Education is the greatest equaliser because education breeds confidence, confidence breeds hope, and hope breeds peace,' Lewin said. He encouraged learners to remain disciplined, resilient, and adaptable, noting that artificial intelligence and technological advancements are creating new career opportunities while transforming the workplace.

Mariental Municipality councillor William Minnie, who delivered the welcoming remarks, described young people as the region's greatest resource and challenged learners to leave the career fair with more than brochures. He urged them to ask questions, build networks, seek mentors, and develop plans for their future, while calling on government, educational institutions, and the private sector to invest in scholarships, internships, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship support.