Investing in the future

Mariselle Stofberg On 12 August the world celebrated International Youth Day (IYD), and Namibia joined in on this important celebration. With the theme ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’, the focus was on ways in which young people at local, national and global levels are enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes.As part of the celebrations the Khomas regional youth office, under the ministry of sport, youth and national service, and representatives of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) decided to engage with young mothers that are a part of the Lidar foundation in Windhoek. The focus of the day was on the impact of Covid-19 on young mothers and childcare. The Lidar Community Foundation is based in Katutura and acts as a house of safety for orphaned and vulnerable children and a centre for education and empowerment for vulnerable young mothers. The event catered for 85 young mothers and other distinguished guests. Speaking at the event, Dennia Gayle, the representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), stressed the importance of the youth’s role in society, both nationally and internationally. “Covid-19 came and knocked on our door and greatly affected the world. I believe that, if there is anyone who can truly turn this around, it is young people. You have an amazing ability to adapt, to be creative and to be innovative, which is exactly what the world needs,” she said.Gayle further mentioned the strength and resilience seen among the world’s youth. “This generation is also resilient and resourceful. They are have risen up to the challenges places in front of them. They are mobilising for racial justice and gender equality and are the champions of a more sustainable world. The youth are peace builders promoting social cohesion in a time of social distancing.’She called upon world leaders to invest in the future of the youth. “We need to invest far more in young people’s inclusion, participation, organisations and initiatives. I call on all leaders and adults across the world to do everything possible to enable the worlds youth to enjoy lives of safety, dignity and opportunities and contribute to the greatness of their potential,” Gayle added. Gayle also encouraged young mothers to never lose hope. “That different direction into a better future may not be clear right now and as you figure out how to get into that direction, you will face challenges. But your challenges should be lessons learned. It is really the courage to step aside, step over, jump over or crawl over these challenges that will make the difference,” she said. “When we talk about youth empowerment, people tend to think this is only education and job security. Another key component is sexual and reproductive health. The Lidar foundation has played an important role in empowering our youth, especially young mothers, in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, youth leadership, education and skills development,” said deputy minister of youth and sport Emma Kantema-Gaomas. Kantema-Gaomas encouraged young mothers to never allow others to define them or their success. “Your situation today should not define who you are. Don’t allow people to stick labels on you just because you are a young mother. It is all up to you to grab opportunities and create a future for yourself. “Let’s take care of the little ones, because what you do today will determine what they become tomorrow. No matter the circumstance of how you brought them into the world, what matters is the responsibility. Let’s break that chain in society,” Katema-Gaomas said. UNFPA handed over 85 dignity kits and food parcels, 500 CSE/SRHR & Covid-19 information packs, 200 sanitisers and 200 masks to the MSYNS and Lidar Foundation as part of their sixth UNFPA country programme support.

Investing in the future

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Republikein 2025-04-21

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Investing in the future

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