The National Youth Sports Development Platform (NYSDP), a non-profit organisation, is seeking assistance of close to N$500 000 to host a volunteer orientation programme.The organisation, which relies heavily on donors to keep it afloat, was established in 2018 to nurture and develop youth in sports, especially the underprivileged and those left furthest behind.Volunteer manager Jane Toivo said the donated funds will be used to purchase equipment, coordinate the programme and run yearly training workshops and sports events across the country.The current N$500 000 they seek to raise is for an orientation programme slated from 1 to 6 June at Rietfontein Centre in the Otjozondjupa Region, she said.She added they have estimated transport to cost them N$58 000, food N$18 000, accommodation N$67 000 and equipment for various sports N$9 000 for one region – and that should be multiplied by 14 to cover the whole country.Empower, encourage, support“Sport remains an attractive activity for young people, and it is often used as a draw card to recruit people to health and education programmes, while keeping them engaged. So, we are trying to nurture young people to fully realise their potential and we need assistance to do that,” Toivo said.The NYSDP, which benefits underprivileged members of society, operates in all 14 regions. She said an estimate of 90 volunteers are expected to attend the training.The organisation’s vision is to create platforms that empower, encourage and support community development through physical and recreational activities, she said.For more information and to donate, contact Toivo at 081 488 0850.- tuyeimo@namibiansun.com