Meet the WorldSkills Champions Trust representatives for 2023 to 2024: Justina Ashiyana
Justina Ashiyana, a 20-year-old former Competitor from Namibia, competed in Joinery at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017.She quickly stood out as the only female Competitor at WorldSkills Namibia’s National Competition in Joinery, as well as at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 – where she competed among a majority of male Competitors. She is now a Champions Trust representative for 2023 to 2024.
Why did you apply to become a WorldSkills Champions Trust representative? How did it feel to be elected?
I have a passion to work with young people, and I think I can be a good example for other people. I was really excited when I got the news that I was elected to be a WorldSkills Champions Trust representative. I was actually in the hospital when I got the email, and tears of joy started coming down my face when I realized. I never thought I would get this opportunity.
What does the WorldSkills movement mean to you? How would you describe it in three words?
WorldSkills gives young people the opportunity to showcase their skills. Three words that come to my mind when I think about WorldSkills are: Inspiration, motivation, and education.
What is your advice to current Competitors and how do you wish to inspire them as a WorldSkills Champions Trust representative?
My advice would be to stay strong and believe in themselves, to show the world what they can do. I would like to inspire them through my youth engagement.
Whatever is there, make up your mind and do what you like.
What would you say to a young person hesitating to enter a skill-based education and training path?
I was actually hesitant to be a part of WorldSkills, but choosing your passion will never make you regret, it can take you to places you’ve never been. Whatever is there, make up your mind and do what you like.
Do you have a favorite WorldSkills memory, an anecdote to share?
When I competed in the National skill competition, I was the only female Competitor in Joinery. I was moved to see women walking past me and taking pictures of me. To me, competing in a male-dominated skill gave me hope and made me even more determined to be a joiner. My dad was the one who motivated me to pursue this career in Joinery.
