Investor Tools

Email Newsletter

Our Stories

Up-lifting and Up-skilling with UPSHIFT

October 20, 2022

Launched by B2Gold Namibia in April 2021, UPSHIFT is a UNICEF program designed to build the capacity of and create opportunities for young people. It combines leading approaches to youth and adolescent development, social innovation, and entrepreneurship to empower marginalized youth and adolescents.

UNICEF acts as a convener with different government and private sector stakeholders, pooling their resources to attain these goals. B2Gold’s support of UPSHIFT includes mentorship and coaching and the provision of its Otjikoto Nature Reserve Education Centre as a venue and content resource.

According to Paulo Samuel, CSI Education Specialist at B2Gold Namibia, UPSHIFT looks different in each country, depending on their local needs. “In Namibia, it is being contextualized to target young people aged 14 to 24 years and focuses on building skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and leadership. It’s also about civic engagement – young people being active in their communities and thereby earning the respect of those around them.”

UPSHIFT helps young people to become proactive and pragmatic in identifying issues in their communities and to initiate solutions through social innovation and enterprise. “I really appreciate UPSHIFT for helping me gain confidence in myself and helping me believe in a different future for me and my community,” said Martha, a 16-year-old participant.

Since its inception at B2Gold Namibia, UPSHIFT has benefited 175 young people through community outreach. An additional 55 youth were reached through workshops and boot camps at B2Gold’s education centre. A total of 18 business and innovation ideas, generated by participants of the program, are being piloted (with the prospect of UPSHIFT seed funding, if successful). Through its in-country iteration of UPSHIFT, UNICEF aims to reach a total of 1,000 young people by 2023.

“Investing in the youth at any point in time is a direct investment in the sustainable growth of our country and economy at large. These are the people who will guide us to a better future through their services, skills and expertise,” said Paulo.

Upshifters attending the first UPSHIFT social innovation workshop at the Otjikoto Nature Reserve