Onamulunga, Oshikoto Region — A ceramics workshop in Onamulunga village is equipping 23 locals with the skills to transform traditional clay into functional ceramic items like pots, cups, bowls, and plates. The five-day workshop, which started on Monday and concludes on Friday, is led by 34-year-old Jacobina Nangula, who aims to empower her community through skill development.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the workshop attendees, comprising 20 women and three men, are learning under the guidance of Nangula. "I want to empower the youth to create their own jobs, earn an income, and gain skills and knowledge they can pass on to the future generations," Nangula remarked. At a session on Wednesday, Olukonda Constituency councillor Philemon Ndjambula praised the participants for their initiative and creativity. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance rather than dependence on governmental aid.

Nangula has been active in community training, having coached over 200 individuals this year alone, with aspirations to extend her workshops nationwide. Participant Linda Amutenya expressed her appreciation for the skills being taught. "We have been buying ceramic plates in local shops, and we were so lucky to receive Nangula who is teaching us how to make our beautiful items and avoid buying them from local stores," Amutenya shared.

The initiative in Onamulunga is part of a broader effort across the region to foster economic independence through vocational training. Simultaneously, nearby villages like Onamweno and Oniimbwele are hosting workshops on making dishwashing liquid and perfumes, respectively. Erikson Shilomboleni, from the Adult Education and Learning division in Oshikoto's Directorate of Education, Arts, and Culture, commented on the wide range of training sessions aimed at improving community livelihoods. "We want the community to sustain themselves by putting something on the table," Shilomboleni stated.