Ngoma
Namibia Constitution Day was celebrated yesterday at Mafwila Senior Secondary School at Ngoma, some 68 kilometres outside Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region.
Although not officially declared a public holiday February 9 has become an important day in the country’s calender, as it was on this day 26 years ago that 72 members from 10 political parties in the Constituency Assembly met to draft the Constitution.
Widely regarded as a highly progressive and modern, the Namibian Constitution is not only revered at home, but is also hailed internationally as one of the most exemplary constitutions ever produced, as it prohibits the death sentence and makes constitional provision for the protection of the country’s environment, among others.
The day was celebrated under the theme: ‘Your Constitution – Your Responsibility’. The theme seeks to encourage children to embrace the Constitution and know their rights and in turn take up their responsibility as citizens, which includes going to school.
Addressing learners at Mafwila Senior Secondary School, Ombudsman Advocate John Walters encouraged the learners to embrace the Constitution as a living document with relevance to their lives.
“You should never forget this day, you should always celebrate it and keep the Constitution close to your heart,” Walters advised.
Speaking at the same event Children’s Advocate Ingrid Cupid encouraged the learners to read and understand the Constitution, which in turn will help them know their rights. “You must know your rights, and if your rights are violated you report to us and we will investigate,” Cupid said.
The earners were each given a copy of the simplified and abridged version of the Constitution, which Walters said would be “easy for the children to read and understand.”