By Sabina Elago
WINDHOEK– Youth must make use of the Children’s Parliament, say the Deputy Speaker, Shandre Finnies, and member, Norman Ndeuyeeka, as their mouth piece that does not belong to any political party.
Finnies and Ndeuyeeka took some time last Tuesday to address questions on various issues facing the youth on a local radio station, Base FM’s Talk the People Parliament hosted by Jehoiackim Kateve. Finnies says they have been elected while at school as members of the Children’s Parliament. “Different schools have to appoint learners that are capable of leadership, have leadership mentality and those that took part in different activities like members of debating or spelling clubs and other clubs. We represent the Namibian youth, as we work for them and not for any political party.
“If you see children in the street not attending school, you have the right to go to their school and report them, the school will know what to do. Parent must also be more involved in their children’s lives, especially in their school work and must always communicate with teachers, then they will know if their children are attending school. We have projects that are coming up and they will concentrate more on youth issues,” says Finnies.
Ndeuyeeka adds that projects are in pipeline for children who do not have access to education at all but not for those who are just lazy to make use of such access. “The government has provided different institutions that can keep the youth from the street, the youth just need to make use of them. We have vocational schools to mention one, for those who did not make it to the university,” he says.
Ndeuyeeka adds that “I am sure with new free secondary education there will be no excuse of dropping out of school because of fees, and all parents will be to help their children with their homework as they are going to be taught in their mother tongue and they will not be struggling to understand.”
Youth are welcome to share their views and make contribution to “The Children Parliament” through its facebook.