The Chairperson of the Education and ICT committee in the Children’s Parliament, Gerson Neumbo, said that Namibia’s children do not ask for perfection, but rather request that the foundation being built by the government be strong and powerful enough to carry their dreams.
Speaking at the commemoration of Children’s Day in Gaborone, Botswana, Neumbo said they appreciate the Namibian government’s commitment to ensuring that education is inclusive, fair, and accessible.
He attributed the bold announcement that tertiary education will be free starting in 2026, actions that show a clear dedication to building a stronger future for every child.
“We also acknowledge the continuous efforts to improve the lives of children, from advancing early childhood development to expanding support for children with disabilities,” said the MP.
He pointed out that even with this progress, there is still more to be done, especially when it comes to the mental health and psychosocial well-being of every Namibian child.
“Our own Constitution, through Article 23, reminds us of that children with disabilities have the right to special care. Article 39 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child tells us that children who face neglect, trauma, or abuse have the right to recover, heal, and rebuild their lives. These rights guide us as we continue to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves,” he said.
He said one of their most significant concerns is the growing neglect of the boy child: “Because today in Namibia, only three out of 10 boys complete their secondary or tertiary education. This is not simply an educational statistic; it is a warning.”
Neumbo added that when boys are left behind, it is reflected in rising dropout rates, higher levels of alcohol and drug abuse, an increase in suicide cases, and the heartbreaking rise in gender-based violence, adding that when they lose their place in society, society loses its balance.
He stated that as Namibia enters new economic eras, including the rise of green hydrogen, there is a need for more vocational training centres that equip young people with skills for the future.
“We need to reintegrate extracurricular activities like sports, arts, and culture as essential parts of the curriculum. These are not entertainment; they are coping mechanisms. They give purpose, confidence, and structure to children who might otherwise return home at midday to environments that do not support their growth,” Neumbo passionately stated.
He said: “All of this comes back to one word deeply rooted in African identity: Ubuntu. I am because you are. Ubuntu teaches us that a child does not grow alone. A community raises them. A nation shapes them. When one child is left behind, whether a boy or a girl, our whole society feels that loss. Ubuntu reminds us that building strong foundations for children is not charity; it is the lifeline of our collective future.”
-psiririka@nepc.com.na