Iyaloo Shikola

In a country faced with numerous challenges, such as unemployment, poverty and limited access to quality education, the BeFree youth campus emerges as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the young population of Namibia. 

By providing a safe and inclusive space for young individuals to learn, grow and develop their skills, the campus seeks to equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of adulthood and make meaningful contributions to society. 

Through its innovative programmes and strategic partnerships, the Befree Youth Campus strives to instil a sense of confidence and self-belief in the Namibian youth, empowering them to break free from the chains of limited possibilities and realise their full potential. One of the main reasons why empowering the youth is so crucial for Namibia’s development is the potential they hold as future leaders and change-makers. 

The youth are the driving force behind innovation, creativity and progress in any society. 

By investing in their education, providing them with opportunities for personal growth and empowering them to take charge of their futures, Namibia can ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for its people. 

Additionally, the youth have a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges and issues facing their communities. By involving them in decision-making processes and giving them a voice in shaping the policies that directly impact their lives, Namibia can tap into their valuable insights and ideas. 

Ultimately, by empowering the youth, Namibia can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among them, instilling a deep commitment to their nation’s development and ensuring its long-term prosperity. 

The most essential aspect of empowering the Namibian youth at the BeFree Youth Campus is creating opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship by providing a conducive environment that nurtures creativity and innovation. 

The campus aims to equip young individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s competitive world. Through vocational training, students are allowed to learn practical skills in fields such as construction, agriculture and hospitality. 

This not only enables them to gain employment but also encourages self-employment, as they can utilise their newly acquired skills to establish their businesses. Additionally, mentorship programmes connect young individuals with successful entrepreneurs who can offer guidance and support throughout their entrepreneurial journey. 

Another important aspect of the Befree Youth Campus is its commitment to addressing social issues and providing counselling services to Namibian youth. The reality is that many young people in Namibia face a multitude of challenges and difficulties in their daily lives. 

These challenges can range from poverty and unemployment to substance abuse and mental health problems. The Befree Youth Campus recognises the importance of offering support and guidance to these young individuals, who often find themselves without proper resources or a safe space to discuss their problems. 

By partnering with local organisations and professionals, the Befree Youth Campus can provide counselling services and workshops that address a wide range of social issues. This not only helps young people to cope with their problems, but it also creates a supportive and empathetic environment, where they can openly communicate their struggles. Ultimately, the focus on addressing social issues and providing counselling services empowers Namibian youth to take charge of their lives, build resilience and access the necessary resources for growth and development. 

The Befree Youth Campus has made significant strides in empowering Namibian youth through its various programmes and initiatives. The success of the campus can be measured in terms of the number of youth who have benefitted from its vocational training programmes, leadership development workshops and mentorship opportunities. 

Furthermore, the campus has been successful in instilling a sense of purpose and belonging among the youth, enabling them to overcome the challenges they face in their daily lives. However, despite these successes, the campus still faces several challenges moving forward. 

The lack of sustainable funding remains a major obstacle in ensuring the continued effectiveness of the campus. Additionally, the campus must constantly adapt to the changing needs and aspirations of the Namibian youth to remain relevant. 

Despite these future challenges, the Befree Youth Campus has proven its potential to positively impact the lives of Namibian youth and should continue to be supported and expanded to reach more young people in the country. 

*Iyaloo Shikola is a young leader, boy child empowerment coach and a BeFree ambassador. She is passionate about community development and talking to other people to help them find their ‘why’. You can contact her at imshikola@gmail.com.