David Junias
Patriotism alone can move mountains, just as a single thread of faith can shift the earth.
As one of the leading candidates in the forthcoming presidential elections for the ruling party of Namibia, Vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has provoked a crucial debate on the integration of patriotism into the Namibian education system.
She passionately advocated this course while addressing an auditorium filled with youth at the ‘Youth Forge Event: Fuelling Patriotism and Industrialisation’, which was organised by the Tukwatha Youth Organisation (TYO) in Windhoek.
Should we embrace the idea of instilling patriotism as a formal component of education in Namibia?
Patriotism, simply, is the love and devotion one holds for their country. In contemporary society, there is a prevalent misconception that material pursuits or economic pursuit alone define success of a nation.
While economic advancement is indeed a key objective, it must be intertwined with intangible factors such as patriotism to achieve sustainable progress.
True economic development is rooted in the collective passion and determination of a nation’s people. Why some nations struggle to maintain their economic achievements — they lack a unifying patriotic spirit. African countries that gained independence serve
as a testament to the power of patriotism.
Despite facing economically superior colonial powers, it was the love for their homeland that spurred these nations on to overcome immense challenges and secure their freedom.
The heart and passion of the people were instrumental in crossing
rivers of blood and enduring
storms of struggle to liberate their countries.
In today's world, economic prosperity is a primary goal.
However, it raises the question: are Namibians sufficiently patriotic to drive the nation towards economic self-reliance?
‘Numbers don’t lie’!
Current statistics paint a troubling picture regarding land ownership. A significant portion of Namibia's commercial land — 70% — is owned by Namibians of European descent, while the remaining 30% is split between the state and previously disadvantaged Namibians. This imbalance highlights the need for a collective national effort to achieve economic equality.
Integrating patriotism into the education system could be a crucial step in addressing these disparities. By nurturing a sense of national pride and responsibility among the youth, we can inspire a generation that is committed to transforming the country’s economy and ensuring equitable prosperity.
Countries renowned for their strong sense of patriotism, such as the USA, China, Cuba, and Russia, demonstrate how a cohesive national identity can drive
economic growth and stability.
For instance, the USA's mantra of "American Dream" has fuelled technological innovation, economic resilience and a strong sense of national unity. China's emphasis "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics" has propelled its rapid economic development and global influence. Cuba’s unyielding national pride has sustained its social achievements in health-care and education, despite economic hardships. Russia's patriotic fervour, exemplified by the concept of "Mother Russia," has helped maintain national unity and drive economic reforms.
Incorporating patriotism into the Namibian education curriculum holds the potential to ignite a sense of national pride and purpose among our youth.
This initiative could be the catalyst for a unified effort towards achieving greater economic independence and equality.
As Namibia continues its journey of development, fostering a strong sense of patriotism could be the key to ensuring enduring national progress and cohesion.
* David Junias is the Deputy Secretary General for the Tukwatha Youth Organisation (TYO).