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Seminar on effective parenting instils hope

Seminar on effective parenting instils hope

The One Economy Foundation (ONE) recently hosted its second Effective Parenting Seminar.

It was tailored for young women under 25, focusing on reproductive health and career guidance to help them navigate motherhood.

Sisco Amunyela (25), said this seminar comes at an opportune time, as she has gained invaluable knowledge as a mother.

“Being a mother doesn’t mean that life ends. It means that your life can still be bright. You can still achieve a lot. It doesn’t end there. I learned so many parenting styles which I didn’t know,” she remarked.

The mother of a four-year-old said she has met many young mothers from different places, making her comfortable to share ideas.

The two-day seminar was a collaboration with the British High Commission in Namibia. 

The #BeFree Movement, which falls under the ONE Economy Foundation, has pioneered significant strides in creating safe spaces for open and honest dialogue among youth. 

“Our goal has always been to foster an environment where young people can discuss their challenges and aspirations without fear of judgment. Through these conversations, we acknowledge the realities that confront our youth daily. We strive to empower them with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed choices,” said Uajorokisa Karuaihe from the Foundation.

She added that they recognise that young women face unique challenges, especially with the adolescent birth rate being notably high.

Furthermore, issues such as HIV incidence and gender-based violence remain pressing concerns. 

“Moreover, the current high youth unemployment rates exacerbate these difficulties, leaving many young mothers economically vulnerable. We must address these realities – not just through awareness, but by providing tangible resources and support,” said Karuaihe.

Serley Eises, founder of the Lidar Community Foundation, spoke about the importance of community in child development.

She said it is crucial whom young mothers associate themselves with. 

Reflecting on her time as a teenage mother, Eises noted that there were limited safe spaces back in the day. 

“Today, young mothers can navigate their challenges with support from centres like this one to transform their lives,” she said, referring to the #BeFree Youth Campus.

The British High Commissioner to Namibia Charles Moore noted that young parents face significant challenges, including access to finances, food and nutrition. 

He encouraged them to speak out about their challenges to get the help they need.

“There is no such thing as a ‘perfect parent’ because everyone makes mistakes. The most you can do for your children is to show them love,” he said.

– psiririka@nepc.com.na