First Lady Monica Geingos said being smart will not necessarily guarantee success, and there are other key attributes like mental resilience, hard work and balancing activities that can take one far in life.
She added that life is not fair, and one is forced to take punches, something learners should be made aware of.
“Being smart is not enough; you are not guaranteed success in life because you are smart. There are many smart people who have not become successful because being intelligent is not enough,” she said while addressing learners at the Talented Individual Programme (TIP) orientation in the capital recently.
Geingos added: “There are many other things you need to get right, and one of them is mental resilience – being able to take punches. Life is full of punches; life is unfair”.
She also stated that hard work is important, and that prioritising time, knowing when to “pantsula” or dance/party, and knowing when to focus and study are equally vital to navigate through life.
TIP provides learners with a support system for excellence in and outside of school, ultimately aids in the capacity building of learners, as well as assisting them beyond financial means.
Geingos said: “Inequality in this country is very stuck. Money is a relief on the education journey, but there are other issues that learners go through that compromise education; that’s why as part of TIP, we strongly believe that young people must have access to mental health practitioners.
TIP believes that young people have other talents – whether in sports or music – which must be supported.
The office of the First Lady, through the One Economy Foundation under which the programme falls, believes they are not doing any young Namibian a favour but merely recognising these talents in this country – and the least they can do is meet them halfway
“Sometimes, we believe that young people mentor themselves more than what we can, and that is where we align them to other young people, whom we believe are responsible and can mentor them through some of life’s journeys.”
A TIP mentor, Rivaldo Kavanga, strongly believes it would not have been possible to navigate through high school and university if it was not for his mentors.
“My first mentor, Dylan, created a safe, non-judgmental space for me and was able to guide and help me grow. Though there was a significant age difference between us, our lived experiences and fundamental values bridged the divide,” he shared.
Kavanga added: “I vividly recall seeking guidance when faced with high school temptations and shenanigans; those experiences involved drinking, using drugs or even skipping class to go play FIFA. Luckily, I had that safe and non-judgmental space for me to vent and get guidance on what to do.”
He stated that, regrettably, an ample number of young people do not have these safe spaces where they can talk about anything and everything without ever feeling judged or condemned.
He stated: “Together, let us create a culture of mentorship where guidance flows freely, dreams are nurtured and the flame of ambition burns bright. Let us empower one another, hand-in-hand, to reach new heights and build a brighter future for Namibia”.
- psiririka@nepc.com.na