By: Loise Shiimi
Several Namibians dispose of waste materials without realising the potential to earn a livelihood from them. The Eenhana Environmental Working Group is an initiative where youth formulate ways to repurpose waste into decorative and useful items.
Talking to Eagle FM, Puye Shonena, a representative of the group, shared that their nonprofit organisation was inspired by the unpleasant sight of excessive waste in various areas and a collective desire to explore recycling options.
“Our goal is to show fellow youth that they can create valuable items from seemingly useless materials, especially as the creative industry evolves. We hope our decorative pieces inspire others to engage in similar initiatives in their communities. If more people join us in transforming waste into decorative art or other innovations, we can help create a cleaner environment,” Shonena said.
She noted that following training from a colleague, she gained skills to produce creative items from waste, such as boxes into earrings and tennis rackets, empty bottles into decorative pieces, and empty soft drink bottles into pen holders.
Regarding their market presence, Shonena mentioned that sales mainly come from tourists, as the local community has yet to embrace purchasing these items.
“However, our focus isn’t on sales, it’s about inspiring others to adopt our practices and showcase how waste can be transformed into functional products. We aim to encourage more people to get involved,” she explained.
Looking ahead, the group plans to expand their offerings by catering at events with their decorative items made from waste products, and to train more youth.
“By training more individuals, we can change perceptions about the usefulness of various items, reduce littering, and ultimately increase sales as awareness of the beauty of our creations grows,” she added.
Shonena also participated in the Youth Climate Change Conference held in Ondangwa, Oshana Region, from 4-5 November 2025.
Meanwhile, the governor of the Oshana Region, Hofni Iipinge, shared his keynote address at the event, discussing the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.
“Our rivers and wetlands are drying up, biodiversity is decreasing, and fertile soils are turning to dust. The Oshana plains, once vibrant with life and agricultural activity, now face recurring droughts and declining groundwater levels,” he stated.
He further underscored that when ecosystems collapse, food systems, water supply, wildlife, and the livelihoods sustaining rural communities are all affected.
“Climate change is not merely an environmental issue; it is a humanitarian crisis. It exacerbates poverty, displaces families, and deepens social inequalities. With climate change threatening our environment, it is crucial for our youth to seize the opportunity to act, innovate, and drive transformation. They must become frontline defenders of our planet, pioneers of innovation, and ambassadors for sustainable living,” he urged.
In closing, the governor took note of the several initiatives demonstrating how the youth are not passive victims of climate change, but active problem-solvers planting trees, recycling waste, adopting clean energy solutions, and advocating for policies that protect the environment.
“Together, we can safeguard our ecosystems, our communities, and our shared future,” he remarked.
