Empowering Tsumkwe’s youth through sustainable gardening

Garden for the future
Zoe Karsten
  • 4 Months Ago
The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) and MK Training Academy Namibia hosted a transformative three-day training event under the theme 'Young people of Tsumkwe becoming self-sustained'.

The training took place from 1 to 3 July at Project Garden in Tsumkwe and was sponsored by the NAB, which contributed N$54 000, ensuring all 30 participants received comprehensive training and resources.

This event was dedicated to equipping out-of-school youth farmers with the essential skills and knowledge to establish and maintain successful gardens, fostering self-sustainability and economic empowerment. Upon completion, participants received certificates and a basic starter kit, including all necessary tools to start their own garden.

NAB assistant public relations officer Victoria Petrus said the initiative aims to empower the youth of Tsumkwe by providing them with the tools and skills to create sustainable livelihoods through gardening.

She added that the NAB believes this training will not only enhance agricultural skills, but also contribute to the overall development of the community.

MK Training Academy director and founder Magdalena Ndjalo gave a brief history of the academy during the event. "The MK Training Academy, established in 2011, forms part of the education and training industry, concentrating on off-site skills development, training and consulting".

Ndjalo explained that the academy has trained more that 120 youths and individual farmers in horticulture and mushroom production.

Meanwhile, Tsumkwe constituency councillor Johannes Hausiku, who gave a speech during the official opening of the event, motivated the participants to take part in future training sessions. "I would like to urge young people to grab onto opportunities like this. We want to see this area with many fruit trees in the future and let it be an example to the other villages."

He added: "We need these farms in the constituency, because we don't want people to label us that we only rely on the government. Together, we can show the government we can do it".