The first group of small entrepreneurs completed their business training at the Polytechnic this week. In 2004, the Polytechnic of Namibia and Nedbank Namibia entered into a partnership to train Windhoek-based small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from 2005. They were trained in three main modules like bookkeeping, financial Planning and control, and managing a small business. A mentoring programme was also put in place. This involved some graduates of the Polytechnic trained in accounting to assist such enterprises in their businesses to put in place valuable record keeping systems. Thirty participants were admitted in 2005 and 26 participants received a certificate on the Thursday for successfully completing the modules. Nedbank will fund this project until 2007 with N$ 115,000 annually. Next Monday, Shell Namibia will donate to the Polytechnic of Namibia N$ 76,657 for training in entrepreneurial skills. This amount targets the youth in the two districts of Windhoek and Keetmanshoop as well as prisoners at the Windhoek Central Prison. Fifty youths at 50 prisoners of both sexes will benefit from this. The safety and security ministry in case of prisoners and by National Youth Council in case of the youth in the two districts will conduct selection of participants. Shell Namibia will provide manuals and stationery for participants.