African Stars midfielder Ronald Stigga Ketjijere said it is crucial for young boys who are passionate about sport to strike a balance with schoolwork. If they are unable to do so, they must sacrifice sport and concentrate on education.
Education should be on their minds as sport is not viable, especially in a country like Namibia, he added.
“You are fortunate to have access to education. You have the education now, so sacrifice, dedicate time for your books, do your homework and study, and you will become someone in life,” said Ketjijere during a Boys to Men seminar in Katutura, Windhoek.
The footballer/lawyer and part-time farmer, who touched on finding a balance between school and extracurricular activities, said he wanted to be successful in his professional career and still play football.
“Raised by my mother, I would always come back home late from playing football, all dusty and whatnot, which is something she was not a fan of. I continued with my schoolwork simultaneously. Striking that balance is not easy, but it’s doable. It’s all about commitment,” he observed.
He urged the group to set goals for themselves, and sacrifice the social life because there is nothing in it for them.
“Some of us come from disadvantaged backgrounds, so education is the best equaliser. If you can’t find a balance, sacrifice sport because one can’t make a living from that in Namibia,” he stated.
At the same seminar, Katutura East constituency councillor Rodman Katjaimo encouraged young Namibian men to strive to be better and have integrity by creating opportunities for growth, and be shaped into leaders of tomorrow.
“You need to transform yourself, and education is the way. Last year, at the age of 41, I obtained my bachelor’s degree from NUST. At 42 years, I am continuing with a post-graduate, and my children always ask me why I go to school. I always say there is nothing better in building yourself than through education,” expressed Katjaimo.
On law and order and the mischievousness of young boys, Detective Sergeant Elias Shapwa wondered why people like drugs, adding that when it comes to the usage of drugs, there is always a graduation.
“I am happy the National Assembly is deliberating on banning bubbly (Shisha) because from there, young people start mixing the flavour with cannabis, and do you know what happens after that? Chances are that they end up using cocaine and other substances,” he stressed.
Shapwa said the youth is mostly used by the “big guys” to sell illegal drugs on their behalf.
“ Because we have a high unemployment rate in the country, these drug dealers have found a way to use the vulnerability of unemployed youth for their benefit,” he noted, adding that Namibia is not a drug-producing country, and it should thus not be difficult to keep it out.
The officer urged the youth not to fall victim to such because drug dealers can be fathers, mothers or siblings. He encouraged the youth to be informers of the police to root out drugs in society.
Shapwa said: “You are the eyes of the police. If you find drugs today, do your part and report these activities. You will be doing a favour to yourself, your children and the community at large.”
Accountant and motivational speaker Marvellous Ngarizemo, who dissected the issue of parental sacrifice, said it is an emotional topic, especially based on his experience, and what he is witnessing in today’s society.
“Most of the young Namibians don’t know what their parents get up to put bread on the table. They are sometimes abused by employers, yet they are just hustling to put food on the table for their children,” he emphasised.
Ngarizemo said there is constant pressure from children on their parents.
“Stop putting unnecessary pressure on your parents because they are going through the most,” he added.
Touching on education, youth activist Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze said young Namibians should take advantage of formal education.
“With education, you can be anything you want. Being a teacher is the mother of all education because there is expertise that has all gone through a teacher,” stated the former NBC legal advisor and company secretary.
“You need to do very well in your school so that you can be competitive enough to be employable,” he added.
He encouraged the group to remain committed and dedicated, adding that life skills should be enhanced in schools and more investments put into career choices.
“Have a good formal education. You can venture into other things, but make sure you commit to that education. Find other things that keep you busy to propel yourself to the next level. We want all of you to succeed,” Ndorokaze ended.
One of the event organisers, Edison Uapingene, said when it comes to youth and making mistakes, girls do mess up, and somehow always have a comeback.
“The worst thing that a girl does is fall pregnant. Most of them always realise this mistake and work hard to provide for their child. When a boy makes this mistake, the comeback is difficult because sometimes they feel entitled to the assets of their parents, and that they believe they are sorted for life,” he added.
- psiririka@nepc.com.na