Patience Makwele
The ||Karas region has officially launched the Governor’s Youth Desk alongside the Youth Empowerment Strategic Framework 2026–2029, in a move aimed at strengthening youth participation in governance, skills development and economic empowerment.
The initiative was launched on Wednesday evening in Keetmanshoop during an event attended by more than 100 young people from across the region, alongside government officials, traditional leaders and development partners.
Speaking at the launch, ||Karas governor Dawid Gertze said the youth desk was created to ensure young people become active participants in development and decision-making processes.
He said the desk will connect young people to opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, leadership development and employment while also giving them a platform to raise concerns and share ideas.
“The governor’s youth desk serves as a bridge between government and young people. It is a platform where youth can bring their ideas, concerns and aspirations. It exists to ensure that no young person in our region is left behind,” he said.
Gertze said the initiative is meant to deliver practical results and improve coordination of youth development programmes in the region.
During the same event, he also launched the Youth Empowerment Strategic Framework 2026–2029, which will guide youth programmes over the next four years.
The framework focuses on skills development, vocational training, entrepreneurship, education, mentorship, career guidance, civic participation, arts, sports, mental health and social wellbeing.
According to Gertze, the framework marks a move from policy discussions to implementation.
“Tonight is not merely about launching an office or introducing a document. It is about igniting a movement. Youth are not spectators in development; they are architects of our future,” he said.
He also encouraged young people to work together despite political differences.
“Our response to unemployment, poverty and inequality must be united. The future we seek requires collaboration, not division,” he said.
Gertze further called on businesses, civil society organisations, traditional authorities and development partners to support youth development through mentorship, internships and skills programmes.
Youth desk volunteer Juanita Jahr expressed gratitude to the governor for initiating the youth desk, saying it has brought hope among young people in the region.
“Thank you, Governor, for believing in young people. Thank you for opening doors for youth leadership. Thank you for giving us a voice, a platform and a future to believe in,” she said.
She said the initiative would improve access to skills development, education and career guidance opportunities.
Keetmanshoop resident Lazarus Boois said the youth desk could help bridge the gap between young people and leadership structures.
“Many young people have ideas and talents but often lack support or guidance. I believe this youth desk will help us feel included in decision-making and access opportunities,” he said.
The launch also coincided with the region receiving the Award for Exceptional Institutional Mainstreaming during the recent National Youth Week celebrations in Windhoek.
Officials said the recognition reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen youth inclusion within regional development programmes.
The newly launched framework is expected to guide youth-focused programmes across the ||Kharas Region over the next four years, with emphasis on entrepreneurship, mentorship, civic participation and leadership development.
