Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Learners are increasingly creating their own small business ventures to raise funds for their school activities.
Some of these children offer services such as cleaning to meet their financial needs.
In Swakopmund, 14-year-old Charlton Stefanus from Swakopmund has taken an entrepreneurial approach to raise funds for his school’s Entrepreneurship Day by offering dustbin cleaning services to the community.
His mother, Justina Nauyoma, expressed pride in his determination.
“The fact that he is thinking of that at his age and decided to continue even after he reached his target for the entrepreneur task from school makes me extremely proud. He can earn money for himself and possibly start saving for university.”
To ensure safety, she accompanies him while he works.
“I supervise him on each job that he does just to ensure his safety. That’s why we mostly provide the services on weekends,” she said.
She added that she advises him on how to manage his earnings and choose the right cleaning materials.
Nauyoma hopes this experience will teach him valuable life skills.
“I hope it prepares him for adulthood, helps him to start saving, and planning already at his age, “ she said.
The Municipality of Swakopmund welcomed the initiative with spokesperson, Linda Mupupa stating: “It is encouraging to see young people taking the initiative to start businesses and create employment opportunities for themselves and others.”
She added that the municipality offers entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and referrals for business registration services, encouraging young entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses to compete in procurement processes.
Mupupa also addressed the legal aspects of young people engaging in public cleaning services.
“According to Namibia’s labour laws, individuals under the age of 14 cannot be employed, while those aged 14 to 15 may work under specific conditions. Their work must not be hazardous, interfere with their education, or negatively impact their health, safety, or overall development,” she said.
Mupupa also emphasised the importance of safety.
“Parents must ensure that their children have all the necessary gear to ensure their safety. Adhering to health and safety regulations is crucial, especially in public cleaning services,” she said.
Charlton’s story is similar to that of 16-year-old Arnold Vries from Rehoboth, who is offering yard and car cleaning services to raise funds for a school athletics trip to South Africa.
“What inspired me to start a business that will benefit me and the community was the prospect of going on a school tour to South Africa for athletics,” said Vries.
Arnold charges N$60 for washing sedan cars, N$80 for bakkies, and N$150 for cleaning yards.
He noted that the biggest challenge was dealing with dirty yards and reaching customers.
However, he said the community support has been strong.
“They have contributed a lot because they like the business, and it benefits them. They like how I stand out from my circumstances to make going on the tour successful,” he said.
In recent years, Namibia has seen a surge in initiatives aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship, providing young individuals with the tools and opportunities to transform their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.
In June 2024, the National Youth Council (NYC) partnered with Bellatrix Investment Managers to launch the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs Facility (NextGen Facility).
This program offers financial and mentorship support to young entrepreneurs in the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector.
In its inaugural year, the facility planned to disburse N$2.5 million in collateral-free business loans, ranging from N$50 000 to N$100 000, to 20 to 30 young entrepreneurs across Namibia.
Similarly, the United States Government-funded Reach Namibia project inaugurated the Adolescent and Youth Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship Accelerator (ALIVE) Hubs in July 2024.
Located in Rundu and Nkurenkuru, these hubs aim to equip young Namibians with the entrepreneurial skills necessary to establish sustainable businesses, thereby addressing high youth unemployment rates.
