STAFF WRITER
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has encouraged 17 Namibian youth who are headed for the World Skills Competition in Shanghai China to wear the country’s badge with honour.
Speaking at a send off ceremony on Monday, the President told the young minds that they must carry themselves as the country’s good will ambassadors .
She said while they have a chance to bring back medals if they compete well against other young minds from across the globe their motivation should be on selling a good image for the country.
“I urge you all to compete with confidence and courage. Do not be intimidated by the scale of the global stage or the established records of other nations. Stand tall and remember your identity,” the President said.
The President also called on relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive skills audit.
“I implore relevant institutions responsible for human resource development in the country to conduct regular skills audits and labour market analyses to anticipate
and address skills gaps, ensuring that Namibia’s workforce is aligned with both national and global demands, as set out in Vision 2030,” she said.
She said the youth are being sent off today as 17 ambassadors of the nation, carrying the hopes, aspirations, and confidence of a country that believes in your capabilities
“Learn from global best practices, network with your international peers, and bring back knowledge that will propel our nation forward. Moreover, compete with integrity, humility, and respect, honouring the rules and values of your discipline to demonstrate the character that unites us as a nation,” Nandi -Ndaitwah said.
She urged the young minds to take advantage of the opportunity to learn and grow, understanding that their performance, conduct, and determination will inspire youth across the country to pursue excellence in all aspects of life.
“I want you to remember that while the medals you bring home will be celebrated, the true victory lies in the example you set for the young Namibian watching you
Today. Somewhere across our fourteen regions, a young person is contemplating their future. When they watch you step onto that stage in Shanghai, let them see the possibility,”Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She added that, “Let them understand that technical skills can open doors, build industries, create jobs, drive innovation, and transform a nation.You are not only competing for yourselves, but for every young Namibian who dreams of becoming an artisan, technician, engineer, entrepreneur, or industry leader.”
She urged the group to return, and participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and skills transfer programmes that the country.
“The Government is committed to empowering TVET institutions to play a central role in shaping our nation’s future. These institutions are tasked with equipping
Namibians with the practical skills, technical expertise, and adaptive capabilities that align with the evolving needs of our labour market,” she said
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