Great accomplishments are achieved where there is unity of purpose.
Therefore, President Hage Geingob told all student leaders across the country to unite around issues, find commonality on the central issues affecting them and work together in the spirit of Harambee.
Harambee is a Kiswahili word, which means ‘all pull together’.
Geingob made these remarks yesterday during the opening of the 17th Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) elective congress in the capital.
He said this approach will undoubtedly achieve greater success in serving the student body countrywide.
Since Namibia’s independence, Geingob said cooperation between the government and Nanso has enabled the public sector to formulate and champion responsive pro-youth and pro-student policies while ensuring that requisite governance mechanisms exist.
He said mechanisms existed to enable accountability, transparency and support efforts in building a united, inclusive and prosperous Namibian house.
He hoped congress will remain committed to exploring and promoting ideas and policies that are innovative and sustainable.
“Through my frequent interactions with young people, it has become increasingly apparent to me that the youth of our country do understand their generational mission, and that they are united around the issues that matter to them, such as land and housing, including student accommodation, education funding and employment and economic opportunities for youth, as well as mental health and welfare,” he stated.
Further, the President said government commits to continue providing the necessary support to the student movement through the relevant ministries, offices and agencies. At the congress, deputy minister of youth Emma Kantema-Gaomas said employment creation among youth remains an important aspect, and it is also an economic necessity. At this point, she said, employment creation will require structural changes to the economy to create jobs.
“Youth development demands a multi sectoral approach to this end. As a means of fighting youth unemployment, green hydrogen remains the future, and it is imperative that youth are well skilled and equipped to make sure the whole nation benefits,” said Kantema-Gaomas. The deputy minister urged students to apply for scholarships under the green hydrogen council that is currently running.
Nanso’s outgoing president Simon Taapopi said it is through education that Namibia can fight many socio-economic challenges that many are facing today.
Over the past two years, Taapopi noted Namibia learned it is important for the country to desperately reduce inequality and economic exclusion.
- mndjavera@nepc.com.na