By: Justicia Shipena
President Hage Geingob said Namibia’s youth understand their generational mission.
Geingob said this during the official opening of the 17th Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso)’s student congress in Windhoek.
The Nanso elective congress, which started on Tuesday, is set to conclude on Saturday, with the election of new leadership.
“Through my frequent interactions with young people, it has become increasingly apparent that the youth of our country do understand their generational mission,” said Geingob.
According to Geingob, the youth are united around the issues that matter to them.
“Great accomplishments are achieved where there is the unity of purpose. Therefore, I charge all student leaders across the country to unite around issues and find commonality on the central issues affecting students,” he said.
He added that the country’s youth are already in charge and empowered, providing leadership.
However, Geingob said diversity is an essential indicator of unity and organisational capacity.
“It cannot exist without tolerance, harmony and the disciplined commitment to shared objectives and missions.”
He said this was the older generation’s key during the liberation struggle in the 70s and 80s.
“Young people rallied behind the clarion call of liberation because they understood that a structurally unequal education system could not achieve equal access to opportunity,” he expressed.
Geingob hoped that the student congress would remain committed to exploring and promoting ideas and policies that are both innovative and sustainable.
“I wish to state that I have absolute faith and confidence in Namibia’s young people. Your energy, drive and innovation will enable Namibia to scale new heights.”
Speaking at the same event, outgoing Nanso president Simon Taapopi said they had not bridged the social contract they entered into with Namibia’s student population.
“Nanso did not bridge the spacious contract we entered into in 2019 with students,” said Taapopi.
Taapopi believes they have delivered while at the helm.
“Amongst others, we established an office, planned and implemented high impact projects across the country, and reviewed and strengthened the organisation framework.”
He added that Nanso believes every child who seeks an education must be granted one.
“It is a constitutional right and not a privilege,” he added.
He said that in 2019 they drew lessons from those who came before them.
“We also want to promote good governance practices that promote financial and national cohorts.”
Youth minister Emma Kantema-Gaomas reflected on the President’s statement at the State of Nation Adress (SONA) and the multitude of issues that affected the student bodies.
“One of the major keys taken away from the SONA is the 12 months amnesty period for student loan beneficiaries. This program will relieve the students and graduates,” said Kantema-Gaomas.
She said the 12 months NSFAF amnesty period announced by Geingob at SONA echoes the President’s commitment to facilitating a conducive environment for students.
She said employment creation is both a moral and an economic necessity.
She added that youth development remains a multicentral approach.
“To this end, our ministry has developed the national youth policy framework to address challenges appealing to youth development in Namibia.”
Kantema-Gaomas also touched on the green hydrogen project, stating that it is vital that Namibia develop the right set of skills that will assist the country in managing the green hydrogen initiative.
“I, therefore, urge the Nanso leaders to encourage the youth to apply for the Namibian youth green hydrogen scholarship. The due date is 31 May 2022, so please do not miss out on that opportunity.”
