From filing to innovation

After 19 years in business, with branches in Windhoek, Ongwediva and Walvis Bay, The Document Warehouse has grown beyond records management into a community force for youth empowerment.Managing director Wouter van Zijl understands the challenges facing young Namibians, particularly unemployment and has responded with two initiatives: the Brainery Academy and TechHub, designed to equip youth with practical skills, confidence and purpose.“If you are not aware, you cannot ask intelligent questions,” says Van Zijl. “The process of learning starts with being aware.”Building skills from the ground upEstablished around three years ago, the Brainery Academy offers short, two-week training sessions for young people with limited qualifications. Participants gain hands-on experience in filing, archiving, office organisation, and even basic maintenance and repairs. Seven workstations allow students to rotate through different departments, shadowing employees and learning by doing.Although the programme is unpaid, it provides transport, meals and a Certificate of Attendance. Van Zijl emphasises that the aim is not to create long internships but to reach as many young people as possible, giving them exposure and confidence to progress.For student Hiledine Izaaks, the experience has been transformative. “I studied Hospitality and Tourism, so this was very different,” she says. “We learned about filing systems, M-Files software, and even how to paint and varnish. You learn something new every day.”Launchpad for young entrepreneursWhile Brainery focuses on workplace readiness, the TechHub helps young entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses. Originally started in 2020 as the Village Hub, the project was re-established this year in Khomasdal after initial challenges with rent. Today, it offers free office space, Wi-Fi and mentorship, giving young innovators a place to create, learn and grow.Every Monday and Friday, participants attend lectures and mentorship sessions with Van Zijl, who encourages them to take calculated risks. “Many people are afraid of failing,” he says. “But if you do nothing, you will fail anyway. The best time to fail is when you are young.”Entrepreneur Clarence Kameeta describes the TechHub as “an innovation and incubation space” where guidance from experienced business leaders helps young people succeed.Through the Brainery Academy and TechHub, The Document Warehouse provides platforms where youth can transform awareness into action and failure into learning, helping shape Namibia’s next generation of innovators.

From filing to innovation

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Republikein 2026-01-12

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From filing to innovation

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