Monika Amunyela
The 19th National Youth Week, launched last Friday and scheduled to take place from 27 to 30 April, is expected to bring together more than 500 young delegates from across the country.
The four-day event, which will be held under the banner “Young Innovators, Real Impact: Turning Challenges into Solutions for Namibia”, will focus on practical solutions and youth-driven innovation.
In addition, it intends to move beyond dialogue and explore action by equipping young people with actual skills, platforms and opportunities to address national challenges.
Delegates will participate in a variety of activities, including masterclasses, panel discussions, and a youth expo where innovators will showcase their projects. Discussions will highlight sectors such as technology, agriculture, oil and gas.
In her speech, Sanet Steenkamp, Minister of Education, Innovation, Sports, Youth, Arts and Culture emphasised the importance of empowering young people.
“It is our shared duty to provide the platforms, the support, as well as the opportunities required to unlock this potential for the greater good of our nation,” she said.
She further stated that the youth week seeks “to recognise, to amplify, and to support these efforts, giving our youth the recognition and encouragement they rightfully deserve.”
She also highlighted that young people are innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs, and their ideas and initiatives are essential for the country’s socio-economic transformation and long-term resilience.
Acting Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Council, Patience Masua, described the event as a celebration of young people that showcases resilience.
She added that the event will kick off with an opening ceremony, followed by masterclasses and discussions addressing issues that directly affect young people.
“The National Youth Week is a platform for young people to celebrate their talents and their creativity. We will be bringing together young people from all 121 constituencies of the country, from all 14 regions, to come together and discuss issues of importance that face young people.”
She also added that awards will be presented to outstanding youth leaders, activists, creatives, and innovators, along with a youth expo where participants will showcase their projects and ideas.