Fifty young Namibians have begun a two-week training program as part of the N$2.6 million MTC 4 Life initiative, aimed at tackling poverty through youth empowerment and self-employment.
The two-weeks long training which commenced this week in Windhoek and Ongwediva, will provide training and upscaling programs for young people between the ages of 21-35 in fields such as photography, graphic design, barbering, makeup, nail technology, hairdressing, catering, sewing, baking, and manufacturing.
“After successfully conducting interviews with 200 applicants who were shortlisted, we are pleased to announce that a total of 50 successful candidates were selected and we are excited to have commenced with the training as planned,” MTC Public Relations Officer, Erasmus Nekundi said.
 The trainees, who come from all regions of the country and include individuals with disabilities, will receive training costs covered by MTC, as well as a start-up toolkit and N$5,000 capital amount upon completion of the program.
In addition to the trade-specific training, participants will also receive entrepreneurial training to equip them with the skills to run a successful business. Field experts will also be on hand to monitor the growth and expansion of the businesses and provide ongoing guidance.
Tresia Ngjuulongo, the only female trainee in the barber/haircutting trade, expressed her gratitude for the life-changing opportunity, saying, “This is a life-changing opportunity for me, and I would like to thank MTC for it. I believe that women are equally capable to grow and thrive in the barber industry.”
Breschnew Toivo, a 28-year-old from Windhoek, is eager to enter the nail industry, saying, “My experience so far has been amazing. I’m hoping to learn and improve my skills to become a better nail technician.” Trudie Gowases, a 29-year-old from Usakos, is looking to enhance her skills as a nail technician and provide more variety to her hometown.
The MTC 4 Life initiative is a socio-economic undertaking aimed at mitigating youth unemployment and empowering young Namibians to become self-employed within the SME sector.
