The Capricorn Foundation, on Thursday, 10 August 2023, donated 26 business start-up toolkits to 26 young women in Oshiku who recently completed their six-month electrical course under the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, Aids-Free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) Programme. The DREAMS Programme is an initiative by Project Hope Namibia (PHN).
“Economic Advancement with a focus on entrepreneurial skills development is a primary focus for the Capricorn Foundation, and as Connectors of Positive Change, we understand that technical skills are equally important in a nation as academic courses; therefore, a balanced approach that emphasises both academic and occupational training is needed. We commend Project Hope on their efforts and contribution to empowering young women to realise their potential to become independent", said Veripura Muukua, Capricorn Foundation Coordinator.
Ester Shapwa, who is a beneficiary, said that she joined the DREAMS Programme in 2020 when she was in grade 10. “The different initiatives under the programme have greatly impacted me and given me new confidence. In 2022 I received the best news, I was accepted to do the Electrical Engineering course, for six months, with all expenses to be paid by the DREAMS Programme. I now have experience in repairing all electrical appliances", she said.
The DREAMS project recruits adolescent girls and young women through community entry points such as schools, clinics, and local leadership offices. The young women are screened to identify needs, and those that fall within the most vulnerable bracket (being out of school, engaging in transactional sex, household food insecurity, having a child or pregnant) are eligible for poverty alleviation support.
“The economic strengthening process begins with financial literacy with focused education on job readiness and business skills. Young women are placed in industry-specific vocational training offered through partner institutions, and linkage to jobs and businesses is provided afterwards. We are grateful to the Capricorn Foundation for stepping in and supporting the 26 beneficiaries with the business toolkits. We believe they are now even more empowered and ready for the market and to look for opportunities", commented Simon Mathias, DREAMS Deputy Chief of Party.
The DREAMS Programme seeks to avert new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women, who are disproportionately at risk of HIV infection compared to their male counterparts. Funded by U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through USAID, DREAMS is implemented by Project HOPE Namibia and several other strategic partners to ensure comprehensive services needed to significantly improve the lives of vulnerable Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in the Oshikoto, Khomas and Zambezi regions. PHN works closely with Government ministries and other public and private entities.
