Reach Namibia launches ALIVE hub in Rundu
The Adolescent and Youth Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship Accelerator (ALIVE) initiative is more than just a start-up incubator, it is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership.
This according to deputy minister of sport, youth and national service, Emma Kantema-Gaomas, who made the remarks at the launch of an ALIVE hub in Rundu last week.
According to her, the Reach Namibia project aims to prevent new HIV infections among children and youth, improve treatment outcomes for HIV-positive children and adolescents, and strengthen resilience in vulnerable groups.
“This mission aligns perfectly with our national youth policy, which prioritises the empowerment and development of young people to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. Our national youth policy emphasises the need to create opportunities for young people to thrive in various sectors, including entrepreneurship, technology and health. By integrating the objectives of the ALIVE hub with our national youth policy, we are ensuring that our efforts are not just isolated interventions, but part of a larger, cohesive strategy to uplift our youth,” she said.
“This initiative will serve as a catalyst for economic empowerment, fostering innovation and driving the entrepreneurial spirit among our young people.”
She lauded the United States of America government as a “steadfast partner” which, through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), provided “unwavering support” that has been “instrumental in providing health and economic relief to the people of Namibia”.
“Let us extend our heartfelt gratitude to the American people,” she added.
Fostering connections
ALIVE hubs will offer computers, printers and other hardware as well as consulting and outreach services to rural areas. They are expected to play a pivotal role in addressing high unemployment among young people, while significantly enhancing Namibia's economic development in the long-term.
The hubs will also foster connections between youth and other stakeholders such as government agencies, civil society partners, private sector investors and employers through pitch exhibitions, coaching, mentoring, training and skills-building sessions. ALIVE hubs in Rundu and Nkurenkuru are expected to serve 240 Reach Namibia beneficiaries per quarter and are set to extend their services to the Namibian youth in general.
Remarkable initiative
USAID acting country representative Rockfeler Herisse noted that ALIVE is a remarkable initiative aimed at equipping young people to address their immediate and future challenges to establish a business.
“Reach Namibia is funded by the Pepfar through USAID to support youth in Namibia's eight most populated regions.”
He added that the hub space will serve as a training ground where young people can develop innovative ideas, design products or solutions, and refine them through testing and feedback.
“This will help them to increase their income and establish viable, resilient businesses.”
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This according to deputy minister of sport, youth and national service, Emma Kantema-Gaomas, who made the remarks at the launch of an ALIVE hub in Rundu last week.
According to her, the Reach Namibia project aims to prevent new HIV infections among children and youth, improve treatment outcomes for HIV-positive children and adolescents, and strengthen resilience in vulnerable groups.
“This mission aligns perfectly with our national youth policy, which prioritises the empowerment and development of young people to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. Our national youth policy emphasises the need to create opportunities for young people to thrive in various sectors, including entrepreneurship, technology and health. By integrating the objectives of the ALIVE hub with our national youth policy, we are ensuring that our efforts are not just isolated interventions, but part of a larger, cohesive strategy to uplift our youth,” she said.
“This initiative will serve as a catalyst for economic empowerment, fostering innovation and driving the entrepreneurial spirit among our young people.”
She lauded the United States of America government as a “steadfast partner” which, through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), provided “unwavering support” that has been “instrumental in providing health and economic relief to the people of Namibia”.
“Let us extend our heartfelt gratitude to the American people,” she added.
Fostering connections
ALIVE hubs will offer computers, printers and other hardware as well as consulting and outreach services to rural areas. They are expected to play a pivotal role in addressing high unemployment among young people, while significantly enhancing Namibia's economic development in the long-term.
The hubs will also foster connections between youth and other stakeholders such as government agencies, civil society partners, private sector investors and employers through pitch exhibitions, coaching, mentoring, training and skills-building sessions. ALIVE hubs in Rundu and Nkurenkuru are expected to serve 240 Reach Namibia beneficiaries per quarter and are set to extend their services to the Namibian youth in general.
Remarkable initiative
USAID acting country representative Rockfeler Herisse noted that ALIVE is a remarkable initiative aimed at equipping young people to address their immediate and future challenges to establish a business.
“Reach Namibia is funded by the Pepfar through USAID to support youth in Namibia's eight most populated regions.”
He added that the hub space will serve as a training ground where young people can develop innovative ideas, design products or solutions, and refine them through testing and feedback.
“This will help them to increase their income and establish viable, resilient businesses.”
[email protected]
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