Sostenus Wilherm
Learners in the //Kharas Region have been given a rare opportunity to explore career possibilities without leaving their communities after Namdeb hosted its first-ever Career Fair in Oranjemund, addressing a long-standing challenge of limited access to career guidance in remote areas.
The two-day event, held on 17 and 18 July, brought together professionals, educational institutions and industry representatives to expose learners to various career pathways, with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
For many learners outside Namibia’s major towns, access to career exhibitions and direct interaction with professionals remains limited due to distance and financial constraints.
Namdeb’s decision to host the career fair in Oranjemund was aimed at closing that gap by bringing career information and industry exposure closer to learners.
The initiative was organised in partnership with the //Kharas Regional Council and the directorate of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture, attracting participation from Oranjemund Private School, CambriLearn Tutor Centre, Ambrosius Amutenya Primary School, !Garibams Secondary School and Tsau //Khaeb Secondary School in Rosh Pinah.
Namdeb said career awareness should start early, allowing learners to understand available opportunities and the skills required to compete in a changing labour market.
Speaking during the opening of the event, Namdeb organisational effectiveness and talent manager Charity Jeftha said the future workforce will require individuals who can adapt, innovate and continue learning.
“Future-ready professionals will be those who embrace lifelong learning, think critically, solve complex problems, communicate effectively, collaborate across cultures, and use technology responsibly. Technical knowledge will always matter, but uniquely human skills such as creativity, resilience, emotional intelligence and ethical leadership will become even more valuable,” Jeftha said.
She said while technical qualifications remain important, personal skills such as problem-solving, communication and adaptability will increasingly determine success in the workplace.
The company said the career fair was designed not only to introduce learners to possible professions but also to help them understand the educational pathways and competencies needed to achieve their career goals.
Historically, learners in Oranjemund had to travel to larger centres such as Windhoek to attend career fairs, creating barriers for those unable to afford travel or accommodation costs.
By bringing the event to the town, Namdeb said it was ensuring that learners from the region are not disadvantaged because of their location.
The initiative was welcomed by //Kharas regional school counsellor Alexio Pienaar, who said the career fair provided learners with valuable information to make informed decisions about their future.
Pienaar said exposing learners to different industries allows them to better understand career opportunities and make choices based on accurate information rather than assumptions.
Beyond career development, Namdeb also extended its community support through a road safety initiative aimed at protecting schoolchildren.
On 20 July, the company donated reflector bands to learners at Ambrosius Amutenya Primary School as part of efforts to improve pedestrian safety amid rising concerns over road accidents.
Namdeb chief operating officer Jurgen Jacob said the company’s safety responsibility extends beyond its operations and into the communities it serves.
“Safety is Namdeb’s number one value, and this commitment extends beyond the workplace into our communities,” Jacob said.
The reflector bands are designed to improve visibility during low-light conditions, helping motorists identify pedestrians more easily and reducing risks for learners walking to and from school.
Namdeb said the career fair and safety initiative form part of its broader commitment to investing in education, skills development and community wellbeing.
The company believes that creating access to career information at an early stage can help develop a generation of young Namibians who are better prepared to participate in the country’s future economy.
The initiative demonstrates that career opportunities do not have to be limited by geography, and that bringing information closer to communities can play a key role in shaping Namibia’s future workforce.
