The third Junior National Council (JNC) kicked off on Monday in Windhoek, addressing pressing youth issues at both regional and national levels.

The JNC serves as a voice for school-going youth, offering them a space to express their opinions, and debate matters affecting them.

This year’s theme is ‘Educating a Namibian Child Fit for Agenda 2063 and Beyond’.

Speaking at the opening, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the importance of equipping Namibian children with the necessary knowledge, skills and values for them to thrive in the rapidly changing world.

She highlighted the government’s commitment of investing in education to achieve a prosperous and integrated Africa. 

She emphasised the need for a holistic approach to education that goes beyond academic achievement.

“Our challenge is to ensure that our education system is not only responsive to the current needs of our society but also anticipates the demands of the future. With the recent development of new industries of the Green Hydrogen, oil and gas, we are more than ever compelled to equip the Namibian child with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” she said. 

She added: “To educate a Namibian child fit for Agenda 2063, we must prioritise quality and inclusive education. As the government and all other stakeholders, we are obliged to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, must have access to education and training opportunities that are both equitable and of high quality. As we have done before, we are going to continue eliminating barriers hampering the quality and inclusive education, including children with disabilities as well as those in remote and marginalised communities”.

She remarked that the boy child in Namibia is lagging in education, particularly at the post-secondary and tertiary education levels. 

“This situation is not healthy for national development, and should not be allowed to continue. Efforts must be made to ensure that more attention is given to the boy child to have the same attention given to their girl child counterparts,” said the parliamentarian.

“As we move deeper into the 21st century, digital literacy has become increasingly vital. The integration of digital technologies into our education system is not just an option but a necessity. Thus, we have no other option rather than digitalising and connecting classrooms to become smart classrooms. Only then, we will prepare our learners and students to navigate and succeed in a world where technology plays an integral role in every aspect of life,” she noted.

Chinese ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping said they are pleased to provide support where it is needed by young people.

“The Chinese side has always been keen to contribute its part to Namibia’s efforts of advancing youth-related programmes,” he said.

He noted that in 2019, they provided funds for the construction of the Namibia National Youth Training Centre in Otjozondjupa region.

Apart from that, they have also assisted in the construction of eight schools across the country.

In addition, Namibian students benefit from scholarships to study in China, and more than 300 Namibians go to China to undertake various training programmes.

“I want to tell our JNC delegates that we are determined to do more to benefit the Namibian young people,” he said. 

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na