Ex-cons get second chance through CHANGE

WINDHOEK, Sept. 27 – CHANGE is an independent, non-governmental organisation actively involved in uplifting the Namibian society, while contributing to economic and social development by re-integrating ex-offenders into society. Amongst its various courses, CHANGE provides a fashion design and tailoring programme, together with business entrepreneurial training for ex-offenders.

On 25 September 2017, the FNB Namibia Holdings Foundation Trust handed over N$ 330 600 to CHANGE, and the support has gone towards this particular programme. Out of 44 students who underwent this training, 28 are now employed, while 13 are self-employed.

Mrs. Jane Katjavivi, Trustee of the FNB Namibia Holdings Foundation said that Through the CHANGE initiative, the FNB Namibia Holdings Foundation was making a social investment in the individuals in the programme, and also a broader investment in the overall community.

“We all benefit when people are able to change their lives for the better. Our sponsorship highlights FNB’s continued commitment towards education, skills training and work programmes that can equip ex-offenders and others with the tools they need to succeed. I also want to thank CHANGE for trying to address one of the biggest challenges of rehabilitation: removing the stigma that ex-offenders still face in the employment market,”said Katjavivi.

Carlos Kuveya, a first year Certificate Student in Fashion Designing said: “I was inspired by my mother to study fashion design and I also have a passion for fashion. My hope and dreams are to have my own fashion line here in Namibia and also employ and create jobs for young people.”

“The course has helped me to develop my sewing skills and I also took the entrepreneurship course which has motivated me to start my own business”, said Bertha Hijamutiti.

Over the past two years CHANGE, through the support of FNB Namibia, has trained 32 people in the fashion designing and tailoring industry, while in 2016, 37 students were enrolled for the certificate level, while some of the 2015 students were busy with their diploma level. – NDN Staffer