Corruption is a big problem in many countries, including Namibia. It’s like a disease that makes everything harder for people. But there’s hope.
We can fight corruption and one powerful way to do that is through education. Namibia lost a great leader in Hage Geingob.
He believed in One Namibia, One Nation. That means everyone in Namibia is part of one big family, no matter where they come from.
We’re all in this together.
Geingob wanted to build a strong, united Namibia where nobody gets left behind. That’s something we should all work towards, even though he’s no longer with us. Corruption happens when people in power misuse their authority for personal gain. It’s unfair and hurts everyone, especially the ordinary people just trying to make a living.
One reason corruption is so widespread is that many people don’t fully understand what it is or how it affects them. That’s where education comes in. By teaching people, especially young students, about corruption and the laws that govern our country, we empower them to stand up against it.
Imagine if every child in Namibia learned from a young age about the constitution – the rules that guide our country. They would know their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
They would understand that corruption is wrong and how it harms our society. This knowledge is like a shield that protects them from being misled or taken advantage of. But we can’t just talk about corruption in schools without taking action.
We need a proper plan, a curriculum that includes lessons on the constitution and the fight against corruption. Starting from lower primary levels, kids should learn in simple language what corruption is, why it’s bad, and how they can help stop it.
The government has an important role to play here. They need to work closely with anti-corruption agencies to develop these educational materials. Teachers should receive training so they can effectively teach these topics in classrooms.
It’s not just about reading from a textbook; it’s about engaging students in discussions, activities, and real-life examples that make the lessons stick.
By investing in education, we invest in our future. When young people understand the importance of integrity and honesty, they become the leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals of tomorrow who will drive Namibia forward.
They won’t just accept corruption as a normal part of life – they’ll challenge it, demand accountability, and work towards a fairer, more just society. But education alone isn’t enough. We also need strong institutions and leaders who lead by example.
Transparency and accountability are essential for building trust between the government and the people. As we mourn the loss of president Geingob, let’s remember his commitment to fighting corruption.
He believed in the potential of every Namibian to make a difference. We owe it to him and to ourselves to continue his legacy, to build the Namibia he envisioned – a country where honesty, justice, and unity prevail.
In conclusion, education is a powerful tool in the fight against corruption.
By teaching our children about the constitution and the evils of corruption, we empower them to become active citizens who contribute positively to our society.
But education must be coupled with strong institutions and leaders who are committed to upholding integrity and accountability. Together, we can build a better Namibia for generations to come.
* Leonard Ndjoze is a producer, writer, and presenter.