Africa-Press – Namibia. Swapo member of the National Assembly, Austin Samupwa, has called on young people to take vocational training seriously, stressing its potential to transform the economy.
Samupwa made the remarks at Impalila on Wednesday, while addressing young members of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church.
The SDA youth had gathered at Impalila Camp for a skills development week, aimed at empowering them with various vocational skills, including tailoring, basic computer literacy, driving, and more.
“This is not just another workshop. This is a week of empowerment — a week of equipping your hands, your minds, and your hearts with tools that can build your future and shape the destiny of our country,” said Samupwa.
The former director of education noted that it is no secret the country continues to grapple with the critical question: Where will the jobs come from?
“The answer is right here — with you. With your hands. With your creativity. With your ability to become not only job seekers, but job creators. Vocational training is not a backup plan — it is a bold and necessary path to self-reliance.
“Whether it’s bricklaying, plumbing, hospitality, tailoring, agriculture or technology — these are the skills that keep our communities functioning. These are the skills that build homes, feed families and drive local economies,” he said.
Samupwa further emphasised that there is dignity in every honest trade.
“We must stop looking down on technical and vocational pathways. The plumber, the welder, the solar technician and the carpenter are as vital to the economy as the lawyer or the engineer,” he added.
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