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This paper begins by reviewing the current social and economic situation in Namibia, pointing out that among the problems facing the country are disparities in income distribution, poverty and unemployment, particularly among young people. Skills development at the community level is perceived to be critical. Against this background the National Foundation for Community Skills Development was established with the aim of enabling communities to gain access to resources from government, community and commercial sources. Community Skills Development Centres (COSDECs) were established as community trusts. COSDECs have the task of identifying their particular community's training needs and accessing resources through the National Foundation. Skills development in the COSDECs is hands-on and competence based, with quality control being provided by guilds or industry. COSDECs are envisaged as community owned and managed organisations and are expected to achieve sustainability.