Namibian Youth Launch Social Enterprise

Most students who have visited the Center for Global Education's facilities in Windhoek have had the opportunity to interact with members of the Young Achiever's Youth Empowerment Project. CGE and the Young Achievers have a long shared history. Young Achiever's was founded by two former CGE Namibia staff people, Pandu and Lejeune. Many student groups have visited their Saturday meetings to learn more about how they help youth in Katutura identify a vision for their future and then pursue it.

A few years ago, CGE Namibia was in need of more Katutura residents to act as guides during the Katutura Quest. The Katutura Quest is a standard part of the orientation process for new students. During the Quest, small groups of students are matched with a guide who goes with them in a taxi to the former township to experience life in the township on a more personal basis, through the eyes of a resident. During the Quest, they also visit local NGO's to learn more about their contribution to life in the community. The idea was suggested to ask members of the Young Achievers to serve as guides during the Quest. By now, many of the members are studying at the university level and have the necessary maturity and responsibility.

This suggestion has worked exceptionally well. The CGE students really enjoy spending time with the members of the Young Achievers. The Young Achievers are open, honest, and warm guides, eager to share their perspectives on life and growing up in Katutura.

The idea worked so well, that the Young Achievers got the idea that other foreigners (tourists) visiting Namibia, may also enjoy a similar personal tour of Katutura. To this end, they recently launched their own social enterprise - Kasie Adventures. They received formal training from a local safari company and funding from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. A portion of the income generated will be given to the individual guides, while a portion will be used to fund future activities of the Young Achievers. See the photo of the group in their official shirts and hats , as well as a copy of their brochure. You can also read a press release about the launch here.