Ondera
The youth have been encouraged to initiate project ideas that will assist them in future to improve their socio-economic status, instead of indulging in negative activities such as using alcohol and drugs.
This was the message from the Ministry of National Service, Youth, Sports, and Culture during the commemoration of the International Youth Day held at the Ondera project farm in the Oshikoto region. The ministry then availed itself to render assistance to any youth who comes up with a project that is viable to uplift the social wellbeing of the people living in their communities. “You should use this opportunity to present your ideas to start up projects in your communities that will enable you to change your social status and in the process alleviating poverty. We as the ministry are ready to render assistance to anyone that excels in this,” stated Albanus Natangwe from the ministry while addressing a packed community hall, which was attended by both young and old people.
The United Nations’ (UN) International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12, each year to recognise efforts of the world’s youth in enhancing global society.
Furthermore it aims to promote ways to engage the youth in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities.
In 1998, a resolution proclaiming August, 12, as International Youth Day, was adopted during the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth. The UN General Assembly later endorsed that recommendation in 1999. International Youth Day was first observed in 2000.
The small population of rural Ondera welcomed the event judging from the mass attendance and in the end won themselves some prizes ranging from T-shirts, caps and backpacks, among others.