Empowering youth through democracy

The event saw learners and students from different high schools and universities in Windhoek attend, as well as the First Lady of the United States of America, Dr Jill Biden, as the guest speaker.

The deputy junior mayor of the City of Windhoek, Fenn Paulus, said more could be done in terms of empowerment among the youth. She added that events such as these should be taken to the rural areas as well.

She also mentioned the importance of democracy education among youth, as they are the future leaders.

"The future of our country is in our hands what we choose to do with it is up to us. It is very important that we start seeing the importance of choosing our future leaders" she emphasised.



SRC importance

Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) president Lucia Ndishishi touched on the importance of the student representative council (SRC) as it forms a part of the governing council.

She said they are the voice of the students, and that is where democracy begins.

She further stated that Nanso is currently working to address the high costs of registration facing students. Another project is aimed at addressing the basic right to education for all, she said.

She emphasised that as young people there are no limitations to pursuing their wildest dream.



Youth unemployment

Twapewa-Ashihe Mungoba, SRC spokesperson at the University of Namibia (Unam), commented on the country's current unemployment figures, stating that the fact that a large number of people who should be at the forefront of decision-making are unemployed demonstrates the gravity of the situation.

She thanked the US Embassy for creating a platform where information and ideas can be shared among the youth. "Through active participation, we as young people are empowered to play a pivotal role in our own development as well as our community, helping each other learn vital life skills and promoting positive service action," said Mungoba.

First Lady Biden commended Namibia on the progress made with gender equality, green energy and slowing the spread of HIV. She further underlined that the youth are the keepers of democracy, and when they decide to shape the nation into the place that they know it can be, they inspire others to do the same. "You show the world that change can happen and that young people like you can make it happen," said Biden.