The perceptions of National Youth Service participants on the programme’s impact in job creation in Namibia: A case of Windhoek youth

dc.contributor.advisorKamwanyah, Ndumba J.
dc.contributor.authorKarukua, Marliza
dc.date.accessioned2026-06-16T11:06:12Z
dc.date.available2026-06-16T11:06:12Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.descriptionA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Social Work
dc.description.abstractThis qualitative study examined the perceptions of participating Youth aged 16-35 on the impact of National Youth Service (NYS) programs on job creation in Namibia. The NYS initiative aims to equip young Namibians with skills and experiences that enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential. The study is driven by the gap in literature which shows that despite a decade’s worth of studies focused on youth, there was a significant deficit in involving them in a participatory manner in order to obtain their views and feelings qualitatively. A qualitative research design was utilized to collect data through an interview guide. Fifteen youth who completed the NYS two-year skills program, participated in semistructured, audio-recorded interviews. To interpret the data, the researcher applied inductive, thematic data analysis to transcribe and code data to extract themes. Findings revealed that while most participants recognized the NYS programme’s positive impact on their professional and personal growth, and valued the opportunity to acquire new skills, there were significant challenges in job opportunities. The alignment of the NYS curriculum with market demands was considered adequate; however, the involvement of stakeholders, particularly the private sector, was deemed crucial for the success and improvement of NYS programs. Participants acknowledged that the programs of NYS has evolved over time, enhancing its effectiveness and participant satisfaction. The study concludes with recommendations to optimize the value of the NYS programme’s in fostering sustainable employment for Namibian youth. These include the need for stronger industry linkages, improved mentorship, and continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. This study contributes to the broader discourse on youth employment strategies in developing countries and underscores the importance of tailored interventions in addressing youth unemployment
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11070/4250
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherUniversity of Namibia
dc.subjectYouth
dc.subjectUnemployment
dc.subjectYouth unemployment in Namibia
dc.subjectNational Youth Service (NYS) Programme
dc.subjectEmployment creation
dc.subjectJob market needs
dc.subjectVocational skills development
dc.subjectEntrepreneurship
dc.subjectPoverty alleviation
dc.subjectYouth perceptions
dc.subjectHuman capital theory
dc.subjectStructural functionalism theory
dc.subjectQualitative research
dc.subjectThematic analysis
dc.subjectStakeholder involvement
dc.subjectNamibia
dc.subjectUniversity of Namibia
dc.titleThe perceptions of National Youth Service participants on the programme’s impact in job creation in Namibia: A case of Windhoek youth
dc.typeThesis
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