Patience Makwele
Vice president Lucia Witbooi has called for stronger support for vocational education.
She said skills training remains one of Namibia’s most important tools in fighting unemployment and creating opportunities for young people with disabilities.
Witbooi made the remarks on Wednesday during the graduation ceremony of 443 learners enrolled in the Certificate in Basic Pre-Vocational Skills programme at Augustineum Secondary School in Windhoek.
The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture through the National Institute for Educational Development and provides practical vocational and life skills training in areas such as bricklaying, plumbing, office practice, food preparation, housekeeping, educare, fashion and clothing.
Addressing graduates, Witbooi urged young people to stop viewing vocational education as less important than academic studies.
“As a nation, we must continue changing perceptions surrounding vocational education and training. We must encourage our young people to explore this sector which provides direct pathways to employment by equipping students with specialised, hands-on skills,” she said.
She described the graduation as an important step for Namibia’s inclusive education efforts, especially for learners with special educational needs and disabilities who often struggle to access further education and employment opportunities.
“Do not wait for opportunities; create them. Start small, think big, work hard, collaborate with others, and believe in yourselves,” Witbooi told graduates.
Witbooi said programmes such as the Certificate in Basic Pre-Vocational Skills show that success should not only be measured through academic results but also through practical skills that help people become financially independent.
The graduation comes as Namibia continues to face high youth unemployment, with persons with disabilities remaining among the groups most affected by limited job opportunities.
Education analyst Hamilton David Hamilton said vocational training could help close long-standing gaps in Namibia’s education and employment systems.
“For years, learners with disabilities have been overlooked when it comes to economic participation. Programmes like these help restore dignity and give young people practical opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Hamilton warned that training alone would not solve unemployment unless government and the private sector also create pathways into jobs, internships and entrepreneurship.
“If graduates leave with certificates but cannot access employment, internships or startup support, then the country risks producing qualifications without opportunities,” he said.
Thirty-three-year-old graduate Selma Andreas, who completed training in food preparation, said the programme gave her confidence to pursue her dream of running a catering business despite growing up with a hearing impairment.
“Before joining the programme, I was scared about my future because many people think learners with disabilities cannot work and even I had days I doubted myself, but I had to remain focused. Now I have skills and I want to become independent and support my family,” she said.
Another graduate, 26-year-old Petrus Uariseb, who specialised in woodwork, said the programme changed his outlook after struggling in mainstream schooling.
“I used to think school was not for me, but here I discovered I am good with my hands. My dream now is to start a small furniture workshop and employ other young people one day,” he said.
“My advice to those with disabilities out there is you are capable of doing anything you put your mind to; your condition does not define you. Enrol for these opportunities and earn your path.”
Since the programme started, the directorate of national examinations and assessment has issued 696 certificates, including the 443 graduates recognised on Wednesday.
The first group of 70 learners graduated in 2024.
Witbooi said Namibia’s future economic growth will depend heavily on technical and vocational education.
Among those attending the ceremony were deputy education minister Dino Ballotti, Khomas governor Sam Nujoma, government officials, educators and parents.
