Skills development in Namibia is an ongoing need, often throughout a person’s lifetime. Romanus Kanyanga decided to offer workshops to meet this need in his hometown, Mariental, to give back to the community.
These workshops include CV composition, typing and cover letter writing. Kanyanga also provides tips for applying for jobs online to help the participants in conducting internet-based searches.
The Programme
Called the Hardap Youth Skills and Knowledge Development Project, the aim of the initiative is to provide a support base for targeted groups.
“I began the free training with high school drop-outs and unemployed youth at Mariental,” Kanyanga says. “This is to improve their chances of obtaining employment.”
Kanyanga noticed that the town did not provide many job opportunities, and wanted to make a change.
The workshops also include help with basic computer skills. “I train them on how to use Microsoft Office and to create an email account.”
About the Man
Kanyanga is an information technology graduate from the Namibia University of Science and Technology, and has enrolled at the University of Namibia for his second degree.
Currently employed as a teacher at Berg Op Academy, Kanyanga was born and raised at Mariental. His education history includes Sonop Primary School and Mariental High School.
The father of two aims to be a positive example to his children through this initiative.
“My motto in life is to aspire to use my integrity and intellect capacity to build my country to better standards.”
The Problem
“I conducted a questionnaire survey to get an idea of youth unemployment, and I realised that a lot of them are in this state because they don’t know how to go about applying or hunting for work.”
He estimates that unemployed youth is around 70% at Mariental.
“I believe they lack the skills and knowledge to get jobs and this it very difficult for them.”
According to Kanyanga, most of the youth in the region who face difficulties are high school drop-outs or those who have recently finished Grade 12 but who could not continue on to university.
“I started this programme to equip them with basic job hunting and computer skills to be employable. This is not only for Mariental, but also for the surrounding towns of Aranos, Stampriet, and so on.”
The Social Entrepreneur
All this is possible through the media enterprise Kanyanga Media Group, which sponsors the printing equipment and technical support, while the local Roman Catholic parish hall serves as the venue for the workshops.
The workshops can only accommodate 10 people per session. “Only one session per month can be held, because of the size of our venue.”
Kanyanga also has another programme aimed at Grade 10 and 12 pupils which aids them in various subjects, known as Spring School. On top of this, he trains local photographers and videographers on camera equipment usage and how to market themselves through social media.
“My aim is for people to become employable and to give back to the community themselves.”
His biggest dream is for the project to become big enough to attract more sponsors to increase the impact level, and counter the unemployment at Mariental. Skill-sharing is a vital aspect Kanyanga stresses in his workshops.
“Because of the scale of my project, the parish hall is best option available. Many others would require rent and the project’s reliance on funding and sponsoring is the main drive,” he says.
“I want to open a permanent office in town that will allow for more workshops to happen.”
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