Once a proud symbol of cultural richness and rugged resilience in northwestern Namibia, Opuwo is now quietly slipping into a crisis that could cost an entire generation its future. From a troubling surge in alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancies to the shameful academic performance of schools in the area , Opuwo is battling a perfect storm of social challenges.
At the heart of it all is a haunting silence – the absence of social activism and meaningful community engagement.If this small town does not act now, the consequences may be irreversible.
Bars outnumber hope
The town has experienced a notable proliferation of bars, raising concerns regarding the increased accessibility of alcohol, particularly among minors.
A growing number of learners are reported to frequent these establishments late at night, often resulting in absenteeism and a decline in academic performance.
A drive through Opuwo on any given day reveals the extent of this trend: bars are highly visible, appearing on the main road, and seemingly outnumbering essential public infrastructure, such as clinics and schools.
It is deeply concerning to observe underage individuals, some as young as 16, present in local bars. This raises serious questions about the enforcement and effectiveness of the no under 18 alcohol policy in Opuwo.
The situation appears to be deteriorating, with increasing reports of grade 10 and 11 learners frequenting bars late at night.
Such behaviour is likely a contributing factor to their declining academic performance, prompting critical reflection on the broader societal and regulatory failures enabling this trend. A 2024 regional study identified alcohol abuse as the most pressing social issue affecting youth in the Kunene region.
Opuwo emerged as a primary area of concern. The education depart has explicitly linked the high availability of alcohol to several negative educational outcomes, including poor school attendance, increased levels of indiscipline, and elevated failure rates among lear ners.
Education in crisis
The persistent underperformance of the Kunene region in national examinations has become a significant concern within Namibia’ s education sector.
In both the 2023 and 2024 National Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (N CO) results, Kunene ranked last out of all 1 regions in the country (The Namibian, 2024).
This consistent decline highlights system challenges, including inadequate school infrastructure, high learner absenteeism, substance abuse and limited parental involvement. The education ministry states that the region’ s poor academic outcomes are directly linked to socio-economic and behavioural factors, particularly the widespread availability and consumption of alcohol among school-going youth.
Neither of the two secondary schools in Opuwo – Mureti High School and Putuavanga Secondary School – achieved a position within the national top 10 rankings.
Furthermore , no learners from Opuwo were recognised for national academic excellence, highlighting a significant performance gap that warrants urgent attention.
The persistent underperformance o f schools in Opuwo can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors/
For instance, the practice of automatic grad promotion has contributed to learners progressing with out mastering foundational competencies thereby affecting overall academic achievement.
Additionally, high rates of teacher absenteeism undermine instructional quality and consistency, further impeding stunt learning.
Parental involvement remain s limited, reducing the essential support network necessary for learner success.
Compounding these challenges is the absence o f higher education institutions, such as universities and vocational colleges, within the area. This diminish es students’ exposure to academic pathways and career aspirations.
Moreover, social issues, including alcohol and drug abuse among learners, exacerbate disciplinary problems and negatively impact concentration and motivation. Collectively, these factors form a multifaceted barrier to academic excellence in the Kunene region .
Teenage pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy in Opuwo has reached alarming levels, exacerbating existing educational and social challenges.
In 2024 alone, Opuwo recorded 2 teenage pregnancies, with the youngest mother being just 13 years old. This statistic underscores a broader regional crisis, as Kunene holds the second-highest teenage pregnancy rate in Namibia at 2 , following Kavango West at 23.9%. The ramifications of early pregnancies are profound. For many girls in Opuwo, motherhood marks the end of their educational aspirations. Dreams of becoming nurses, engineers or businesswomen are replaced by the harsh realities of single motherhood.
The absence of fathers often leads to depression. In extreme cases, it leads to the abandonment of infants.
Deafening silence
Amid the multifaceted social challenges facing Opuwo, a conspicuous gap exists in terms of social activism and youth engagement.
Unlike other Namibian towns where vibrant youth clubs, mentorship initiatives and sport development programmes play a crucial role in community upliftment, Opuwo is marked by a dearth of structured, community-driven platforms targeting young people ’s development and empowerment.
Ella Tjikotoke, a senior member of the community, notes the absence of after-school activities and safe spaces for adolescents, which severely limits opportunities for youth to engage constructively and cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose.
Historically, organisations such as Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO) and Window of Hope provided essential educational programmes and recreational activities that fostered social awareness and personal growth among young people. However, these initiatives have since dissipated, leaving a void in structured youth engagement (Tjikotoke, personal communication). The decline of these support structures has contributed to an erosion of youth identity and ambition, with many young people succumbing to the adverse effects of alcohol and substance abuse. Furthermore, a significant number high school graduates remain underemployed and unable to realise their full potential due to the lack of guidance and empowerment programmes. Compounding these challenges is the limited involvement of youth in local political and social development spheres
The absence of young leaders in governance and community decision-making undermines efforts to address youth- specific concerns and stifles the emergence of grassroots initiatives that could foster social change and economic empowerment.
To address these gaps, it is imperative to implement deliberate youth empowerment strategies, such as establishing a Junior Mayor and Junior Town Councillor programme.
These initiatives would provide young people with formal platforms to participate in local governance, develop leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to community development. By institutionalising youth representation in Opuwo town council affairs, Opuwo can cultivate a new generation of socially conscious leaders and rein vigorate youth engagement in political and social processes.
Solutions
While Opuwo faces mounting challenges, such as rising teenage pregnancies substance abuse and declining educational outcomes
These issues are not insurmountable.
Effective transformation requires coordinated action rooted in courage and collective responsibility.
A multipronged approach should be urgently adopted, beginning with the enforcement of existing liquor regulations to curb the spread of bars and shut down illegal shebeens that contribute to social decay.
The establishment of safe, functional youth centres with access to study spaces, the internet, sport facilities and mentorship programmes would provide young people with structured alternatives to the streets.
In parallel, schools must strengthen comprehensive sexuality and life skills education, equipping learners with knowledge on reproductive health, consent , decision-making and self- esteem .
These interventions must be supported by increased parental involvement , with churches, non-governmental organisations and schools facilitating parenting workshops to enhance guidance, discipline and emotional support within households.
Equally critical is the empowerment of teacher s as catalysts of change .
Continuous professional development, adequate resource and accountability mechanisms can transform educators into effective mentors who shape learners into future leaders. Moreover , a renewed spirit of social activism is essential.
Educate youth from Opuwo, particularly those now residing in other parts of Namibia, must be encouraged to return and reinvest in their community through weekend mentorship , tutoring and motivational engagements.
Even small actions can plant seeds of long-term change. Ultimately , Opuwo must not be defined by statistics but recognised for its potential to produce doctors, innovators, artists and leaders.
The future of the town lies in the choices made today. If the community fails to fight for its youth , it risks becoming a forgotten place with forgotten potential.
However, with a collective action, transformation is still possible.
*Tjikotoke Michu Tjikotoke is a social activist and youth empowerment advocate fro Opuwo.