A group of young people leading Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Namibia participated in a five-day capacity-building training workshop held in Windhoek.
The workshop addressed various subjects, including emotional intelligence. Julia Heita, a participant, emphasised that understanding how to recognise, manage and communicate emotions effectively is essential for developing awareness as leaders who are prepared to instigate change. “I would personally say that the training was extremely informative. It provided us with practical knowledge on leadership and emotional intelligence. I also had an opportunity to be in a space where I could connect with other like-minded young Namibians who are passionate about NGOs and making a difference in the country,” she indicated.
As a representative from the Green Climate Awareness Foundation, Heita emphasised that a crucial takeaway is the significance of resilience. This involves recognising that obstacles are inherent to the journey, yet maintaining a focus on objectives is what ultimately drives progress.
“I would encourage fellow NGO leaders to keep pushing forward. The work we are doing is important, and even when the road seems tough, know that you are impacting lives in ways you might not even realise. Stay true to your mission, because the change we’re fighting for is possible, step by step,” she stated.
Josef Nghilunanye Haufiku (35) firmly asserted that his experience has not only equipped him with the skills to lead and manage his organisation, but has imparted the understanding that true leadership involves mastering oneself to inspire others to follow. “Being a leader, I have always misinterpreted leadership by leading others instead of leading myself by creating self-awareness so others follow. The training made me realise my passion more clearly, and that I was ‘procrastinated’ in terms of executing my plans due to fear,” said Haufiku, who is the Director of the Coastal Drugs Awareness Campaign (CODAC). CODAC was among the select organisations invited to take part in the NGO Capacity Training Workshop hosted by the US Embassy in Windhoek. This workshop aimed to equip youth-led NGOs with vital skills and knowledge necessary for sustainable development and effective leadership. CODAC operates as a non-profit entity, and serves as a significant community development project located in Walvis Bay, Erongo region. Established in November 2016 at the Walvis Bay Correctional Facility, it was formally recognised as a voluntary organisation by its founding members.
He articulated that the organisation’s mission is to leverage the testimonies of ex-offenders, current offenders, and community members, in collaboration with correctional officers to educate and raise awareness among offenders, students, educators, parents/caregivers, employees, employers and community leaders regarding the risks associated with substance abuse, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption.
“Throughout the training, I did not only gain valuable insights from the experienced and welcoming facilitators in different aspects, but I was also equipped with skills of how to govern, lead myself as a leader first so others follow, and how to manage our organisation successfully by collaborating with other NGOs to achieve Vision 2030 in alignment with the National Development Plan,” he said. CODAC has successfully raised awareness in the Erongo region from 2017 to 2024 across three correctional facilities: Walvis Bay Correctional Facility, Swakopmund Correctional Facility, and Omaruru Correctional Facility.
This initiative has reached a total of 1 210 male and female sentenced offenders, along with correctional officers, and has been presented at 33 educational institutions located in Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Arandis and Omaruru, attracting a total of 19800 attendees.