The Namibia National Internship Programme (NNIP) has placed 990 students in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) across various sectors since its launch in 2019, according to the latest figures shared.
The NNIP was established to assist students who require internships to graduate, while helping institutions of higher learning secure internship placements for students, thereby accelerating job creation among the youth.
To further the initiative’s growth, Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), the custodian of the program, has nationalized the initiative and encouraged other corporations to support it.
The Social Security Commission (SSC) recently became the sixth organization to contribute to the program, providing N$200,000 in funding. The support places SSC alongside other contributors such as the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP), Momentum Metropolitan Foundation, Old Mutual, and Standard Bank Namibia.
“We are truly appreciative of the companies that have joined us in providing and facilitating WIL opportunities. Corporate Namibia understands that smart partnerships easily yield the desired outcomes. Therefore, we commend and welcome SSC to the program. In addition to helping students meet their WIL requirements for graduation, the program is also equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in the job market,” said Tim Ekandjo, MTC’s Chief Human Capital, Marketing, and Corporate Affairs Officer.
Milka Mungunda, SSC Executive Officer, expressed confidence in the program’s positive impact, emphasizing its role in addressing the critical gap in work-integrated learning.
“SSC is proud to be part of this partnership, which exemplifies our national commitment to youth development and graduate employability. This collaboration aligns with our mission and vision to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable, while building a skilled and educated workforce. With this donation, we are investing in the future workforce and future SSC members. Together, we can ensure that every young Namibian gains the practical experience and skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market,” said Mungunda.
Currently, the NNIP has an annual intake of 300 students. However, the program has set an ambitious target to increase its capacity to at least 1,600 students per year, which would require an annual capital injection of N$14 million.
