Namibia: Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol) Regional Manager, Clemence Hinanifa, on Thursday urged the youth to make informed career choices and actively seek information that will enhance their futures. Hinanifa was speaking at the Katutura Central career guidance day held at the Namcol Yetu Yama centre, where community leaders, exhibitors, and youth gathered to address rising unemployment and limited career awareness. According to Namibia Press Agency, Hinanifa encouraged the youth to pursue careers aligned with their passions rather than societal expectations, sharing an example of a former top-performing learner who studied medicine only to later abandon the field for teaching. He said the story highlights the importance of self-awareness and rejecting pressure to follow paths that do not resonate. Hinanifa further stressed the value of vocational training, saying it remains a crucial driver of national development. 'Many people believe vocational training is a plan B, C, or D, not understanding that everything we use daily from clothing to furniture comes from vocational skills,' said Hinanifa. He urged the youth to explore sectors that offer practical and entrepreneurial opportunities. Khomas Regional Councillor, Vezemba Rodman Katjaimo, described the event as a growing initiative aimed at closing information gaps among the youth. He applauded Namcol for hosting the programme and highlighted Namibia's emerging opportunities in hydrogen, gas, oil, and the digital economy. He called for the youth to align their studies with sectors that are expanding and hungry for labour. Katjaimo also encouraged learners to take advantage of the government's 2026 free education model, noting that prioritised fields were identified through research to ensure employability. He warned against choosing fields with limited opportunities and urged the youth to ask questions and engage institutions present at the event. 'It's not that we are saying you must not study this and that, but rather that the government has do ne thorough research to identify priority fields that are sure to guarantee you get jobs. Please don't ignore that,' said Katjaimo. Both speakers emphasised the importance of mindset, education, and determination. Katjaimo noted that the event will now be hosted annually to ensure young people remain informed and prepared for future opportunities.