Standard Bank Namibia has committed N$600,000 to two youth-focused programmes aimed at providing unemployed young Namibians with job-ready skills and supporting youth-led solutions to healthcare challenges.
The funding, announced at the One Economy Foundation Gala Dinner, will support the Spark Kitchen Culinary Training Initiative and the SparkRx 2.0 Youth Health Innovation Summit.
The Spark Kitchen programme will provide unemployed young people with practical and accredited culinary training, aimed at improving their prospects of securing jobs or pursuing opportunities in Namibia’s hospitality industry.
SparkRx 2.0 will bring together young people from all 14 regions to develop solutions to healthcare challenges facing the country.
Standard Bank Namibia Executive Officer for Brand and Marketing Elzita Beukes said the investment forms part of the bank’s focus on skills development and improving employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people.
“Skills development remains a key pillar of our corporate social investment strategy. We know that when young people are equipped with the right skills, opportunities and support, they become the drivers of economic growth, innovation and stronger communities,” Beukes said.
The investment comes as Namibia faces pressure to create employment opportunities for young people and improve the transition from education and training into the labour market.
Under the culinary programme, participants will receive industry-relevant training intended to provide market-ready skills that can be used to seek employment or pursue business opportunities in the hospitality sector.
The SparkRx programme, meanwhile, will focus on encouraging young Namibians to develop practical responses to health challenges affecting their communities.
“Through these programmes, young people will gain practical skills, create innovative solutions and access opportunities that can shape their futures,” Beukes said.
Standard Bank said its partnership with the One Economy Foundation forms part of its broader investment in skills development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.
“We are proud to partner with the One Economy Foundation because we share a common belief: sustainable development begins with empowering people,” Beukes said.
“By investing in skills today, we are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive Namibia tomorrow.”
