Capricorn Foundation invests N$1m in job creation

In a bold move to address Namibia's persistent youth unemployment crisis, the Capricorn Foundation has pledged N$1 million towards Bank Windhoek's Young Talent Programme. The funds will fuel the establishment of the Capricorn Academy for School-Leavers, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing training and employment opportunities.

With Namibia's youth unemployment rate hovering around 38.41%, the urgency of this national challenge cannot be overstated. The Capricorn Foundation's commitment to funding the academy underscores its dedication to tackling this pressing issue head-on.

The programme offers 10 youths who completed grade 12 last year the opportunity to embark on an 18-month comprehensive training and job placement journey with Bank Windhoek. Participants will undergo rigorous training in various banking disciplines in Windhoek before being strategically placed at selected Bank Windhoek branches nationwide.



Empower and equip

The foundation's executive officer Marlize Horn emphasised the programme's mission to empower and equip young school-leavers with essential skills and experiences for successful careers. By reducing youth unemployment and fostering economic empowerment, the initiative aims to catalyse positive change in Namibia's youth demographic, she said.

Open to those who obtained their grade 12 certification in 2023, the programme sets specific qualifying criteria, including 25 points and a focus on commercial subjects like mathematics, accounting, business economics, economics, business studies or entrepreneurship.

The Capricorn Academy for School-Leavers represents more than just a training programme, Horn explained: It serves as inspiration for the youth of Namibia. Through structured contact training and hands-on experience at branch locations, participants will gain invaluable insights and practical skills essential for banking careers.

The success of this pilot programme holds significant implications for the future, she said. "If deemed successful, the Capricorn Foundation is committed to sustaining support for the programme, signaling a long-term commitment to youth empowerment and economic advancement."

As the inaugural cohort embarks on this transformative journey, the Capricorn Foundation's vision for a brighter, more prosperous future for Namibia's youth comes into sharper focus. Through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives like the Capricorn Academy for School-Leavers, the path towards meaningful employment and economic stability becomes clearer for Namibia's next generation.

For more information, contact Roselyn Ouses at 061 299 1687.