Annelien van Wyk

Annelien van Wyk is one of the civil servants who are dedicated to advocating for youth and community development. 

She is the head of the //Kharas Regional Directorate of Youth Development, which falls under the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service. 

She spent over two decades working with young people and various community organisations on initiatives aimed at improving their well-being as well as advocating for the rights and interests of youth at different levels of government.

Born and raised in Lüderitz, Van Wyk is a skilled individual with vast expertise in youth matters. 

She holds the Commonwealth Youth Programme diploma in Youth Development and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in Youth and Community Development.

Joining the public service in 2010, Van Wyk brought to the table a wealth of experience in youth engagement and mobilisation. 

According to her assertion, her expertise allows the ministry to foster stronger relationships with young people, leading to more effective collaboration and the development of community-driven solutions to pressing issues.

“This ensures our ministry’s initiatives are not only well-informed but also align with the real needs of the people we serve,” she said.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Van Wyk is a multi-talented individual, whose creative spirit knows no bounds. 

She is not only a skilled writer and published poet but also a prolific blogger and social media content creator.

“Through my words and digital presence, I manage to touch the hearts and minds of countless individuals, spreading messages of hope, inspiration and unity,” she revealed.

On the job

At the ministry, Van Wyk’s roles are multifaceted and centred around empowering the youth and communities by facilitating their active participation in the development process as well as advocating for policies and programmes that promote their well-being and prosperity. 

She oversees the coordination and implementation of various government programmes and community engagement, designed to enhance the well-being of youth and strengthen community bonds.

“I work closely with local youth and communities, conducting outreach and engagement activities to understand their unique challenges and opportunities. Building strong relationships with young people, communities and stakeholders is crucial in my role,” Van Wyk said.

She further said: “An advocate for youth and communities ensures that their voices are heard. This advocacy helps shape policies that are more inclusive, equitable and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable in our society,” she explained. 

Van Wyk is also responsible for capacity building, training and support to young individuals to empower them with the skills and knowledge needed to become responsible, self-actualised citizens. 

Working for the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service is a lifelong dream for Van Wyk. 

“The nature of our work is such that it requires a sustained effort to bring about lasting change. It’s a calling that inspires me every day, and I am genuinely committed to seeing through the initiatives, policies and programmes that contribute to the betterment of society. As long as I can serve and continue making a meaningful impact, I intend to remain in public service, working tirelessly to empower our youth and strengthen our communities,” she said.

Challenges

“We often face situations where we don’t have enough resources to meet all the demands for services and programmes.

To deal with this challenge, we must carefully decide which projects to prioritise, come up with creative solutions to problems and work closely with different groups like government agencies, as well as nonprofits and community leaders” she said.

She also points out communication and building trust with youth and community members. 

“It’s crucial that we not only listen to their opinions but also show them the respect they deserve in making decisions about the projects we bring to them,” Van Wyk said. 

However, she maintained that while these challenges take a lot of effort and determination, they also give the directorate the opportunities to find new ideas and collaborate to find long-lasting solutions for the issues facing young people and communities.

Rewards

Witnessing the positive transformation, growth and empowerment of young individuals is incredibly fulfilling, according to the youth officer.

“There’s nothing quite fulfilling than seeing a young person overcome obstacles, achieve their goals and become a confident, active member of society”.

“I’ve had the privilege of experiencing some deeply rewarding moments and work-related accomplishments that I’m immensely proud of. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is witnessing the success stories of the young people I’ve worked with. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing young individuals I’ve mentored graduate from educational programmes, secure meaningful employment and become active community leaders. Their achievements stand as a testament to the impact of our youth development initiatives,” she said.

Van Wyk points out youth-led projects, an initiative where young people have taken ownership of development projects, as some of her work-related achievements. 

“Watching young people and communities come together – from planning to implementation – and witnessing the positive changes they’ve brought about in their neighbourhoods and villages, is truly inspiring. These moments reaffirm the power of youth-driven development,” she said.

Having been in the civil service for 13 years now, Van Wyk did not waste any time pondering the question of how long she is planning to stay in the public sector.  “My commitment to public service, especially in the realm of youth and community development, is unwavering. I view it not as a limited-time engagement but as a lifelong dedication. My passion for making a positive impact on the lives of young people and communities is a driving force in my career, and I plan to continue serving in the public sector for the foreseeable future,” she replied.

Van Wyk asserted that through government, she had the opportunity to contribute to the development of influencing policies and regulations that can shape the future of youth and community development.

“Many government initiatives are designed to promote equity and social justice. I am proud to be part of an institution that prioritises inclusivity and works to reduce disparities in access to resources and opportunities,” she said. Van Wyk further points out professional development as one of the factors that glued her to public service, stating that government encourages ongoing learning and professional development, ensuring that employees can continually improve their skills and knowledge to better serve their community. 

On her bucket list for the years to come – both professionally and individually – Van Wyk expressed her hope to expand the reach and impact of the youth and community development initiatives, reaching even more individuals and communities in need, especially the villages and deeper rural areas.

She aspires to continue advocating for policies and systemic changes that promote equity, inclusivity and social justice. 

“My goal is to contribute to a more supportive environment for young people and communities,” she revealed.