Young people and communities in the Kavango East Region are set to benefit from practical agricultural skills, climate change education and entrepreneurship opportunities following the official launch of the Linus Shashipapo Climate Change Action Centre in Shinyungwe, Ndiyona Constituency, on Friday.

The Centre was launched by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), in partnership with Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Namibia, under the regional ADSWAC Project. Funded by the Adaptation Fund, the project operates in Namibia and Angola to strengthen climate resilience, improve food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Speaking at the opening, DAPP Namibia Managing Director, Mr Alfred Besa, said the Centre would promote climate change awareness, practical learning and the sharing of solutions. The project works with producer organisations, water user associations and schools in the Kavango East and Kavango West regions to encourage climate-resilient agriculture, responsible water use and environmental awareness.

In a keynote address delivered on her behalf by Mr Paulus Nghikembua, Deputy Executive Director for Lifelong Learning, Arts and Culture, Minister Hon. Dr Sanet Steenkamp said the Centre offers young people opportunities to gain practical skills, produce food, establish businesses and build sustainable livelihoods.

The Minister highlighted its contribution to the National Youth Policy III (2020–2030), which aims to empower young Namibians to become self-reliant and productive citizens. During the Ministry’s site visit in August 2026, the project had reached 52 beneficiaries, including 25 young people managing more than 100 demonstration farmer plots.

She encouraged young people to establish agricultural businesses and cooperatives, access markets and create employment, stressing that the Centre’s success should be measured by the skills gained, enterprises established, jobs created and income generated. She also urged them to take ownership of the facility and use their knowledge to find practical solutions to climate change.

“Today we are not simply opening a building or a garden. We are opening a door to opportunity,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Kavango East, Mr Boniface Kahare highlighted the Centre’s potential to strengthen local economic development through climate-smart agriculture, practical skills and entrepreneurship. He encouraged young people to establish viable agricultural businesses and urged Government, development partners and the private sector to work together to improve access to technology, finance and markets.

He stressed that the Centre’s success should be measured by tangible results, including increased food production, businesses established, jobs created and income generated. He added that the initiative could provide lessons for other regions, supporting the objectives of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) towards a more productive and climate-resilient economy.

The Centre is one of two established under the ADSWAC Project, with the other serving the Kavango West Region. Through collaboration between Government, development partners and communities, the initiative aims to strengthen climate resilience, empower young people and create sustainable economic opportunities.