Hilma Nalupe
The Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO), in collaboration with GirlUp Namibia, hosted the Edu-Run last Saturday, at Van Rhyn Primary School in Windhoek North.
Held under the theme ‘From Resolution 16 to Reality: One More Lap Towards Free Tertiary Education’, the event aimed to celebrate progress toward accessible tertiary education and raise awareness about the importance of free tertiary education in Namibia.
NANSO spokesperson Jessy Abraham said the theme was inspired by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s announcement of free tertiary education.
“This year’s Edu-Run theme particularly emanates from the President’s announcement. Resolution 16 is one of NANSO’s longest-standing commitments and this run represents our transition from advocacy to achievement,” she said.
Resolution 16, adopted by NANSO in 2015, advocates for free tertiary education, the elimination of student loan repayment with interest and reforms to make higher education more equitable and accessible for all Namibian students.
Abraham said the Edu-Run serves as both a symbolic and practical expression of NANSO’s continued advocacy.
“This was more than just a run, it was a celebration of progress and a reminder that every step we take brings us closer to transforming this vision into reality,” she added.
The turnout, which was largely made up of students, reaffirmed the event’s relevance and emotional significance.
Abraham said it was particularly inspiring to see not only university students but also primary school learners participate.
This symbolised a future generation that will directly benefit from the government’s promise of free tertiary education.
The event also featured participation from teachers and former students who had to abandon their studies due to financial challenges – a poignant reminder of why the fight for free tertiary education remains vital.
The EduRun was hosted in partnership with GirlUp Namibia, another youth-led organisation dedicated to tackling social barriers such as menstrual poverty and gender inequality.
Together, the two groups showcased what Abraham called collective advocacy at its best.
Looking ahead, NANSO plans to make the EduRun an annual event that not only amplifies advocacy around educational reform, but also promotes health and fitness among Namibian youth.
With Resolution 16 now closer to full implementation, this year’s EduRun stood as both a celebration of persistence and a call to ensure that free, quality and equitable education becomes a lasting reality for every Namibian child.