By: Mathias Hangala
Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp has urged learners to set goals and regularly revisit them to ensure they achieve their ambitions.
She made the call while addressing youths at the Back to School event held in Windhoek on Saturday.
Steenkamp reflected on the challenges she faced while pursuing her doctoral degree, explaining that her academic journey required goal-setting, endurance and resilience..
“I wrote down my goals in Afrikaans. The first was that I wanted to graduate with a Doctorate in Philosophy. The second was that I must study. The third was that I must write my thesis. And the fourth was to plan for my graduation ceremony. Four goals, dear students, that is all you need in life,” she remarked.
Steenkamp emphasised that education requires discipline and sacrifice, noting that “It means making sacrifices to become educated. That is where I learned the importance of discipline. When you want transformation to happen, you must start with small changes. Through change comes transformation, and that change starts with ourselves as children.”
With that, Steenkamp encouraged learners not to give up, reminding them that their communities believe in their potential.
The Back to School event, held under the theme ‘Empowering Towards Excellence,’ was organised by the Victory Youth Group (VYG). It aims to help young people discover their potential, develop their talents, and gain confidence to pursue their academic goals. The event attracted learners from various schools across the country.
Echoing similar sentiments was program coordinator Billy Haoseb, who shared his own struggles while growing up. Haoseb said that although he physicially attended school, he often felt mentally absent due to challenges he faced at home.
“Even though I was in class and at school, I was not truly present. I was physically there, but my mind was distracted by many struggles I faced at home,” he said.
He added that due to circumstances, he had to assume responsibilities at a young age. “I did not have the privilege of enjoying my childhood. I had to become responsible at a very tender age and learn to take care of myself,” he shared.
Haoseb explained that while his parents offered moral support, financial support was limited. However, the Back to School organisation became a source of hope during difficult times.
Another coordinator, Simeon Shimuningeni, said that excellence goes beyond academic performance.
According to him, excellence includes spiritual, moral, and personal development, adding that when communities and schools work together, young people become stronger.
“You are not here by accident. To be empowered means to be given authority, confidence and the ability to act. Pursuing excellence means giving your best every time, not sometimes,” stated Shimuningeni.
He encouraged learners to complete their homework even when no one is watching, respect teachers and parents, and choose discipline over destructive behaviour.
“Excellence is not just about being better than others; it is about becoming better than you were yesterday. Namibia needs young people who are empowered to lead, think critically, stand up for what is right, and dream even under difficult circumstances,” he added.
Meanwhile, Henry Pelaelo, who is studying towards an education degree, said his involvement in the programme helped him discover and use his talents to inspire others. He said young people struggle with peer pressure, addiction, depression and even suicidal thoughts, but the programme helped him overcome these challenges.
“I was addicted and depressed. I was a thief. But through VYG, I managed to change my life and eventually found employment through tutoring opportunities,” he recounted.
Another student, Constancia Amupadhi, also shared her story, saying she joined the group when her academic performance declined and she felt hopeless.
She said the programme helped her regain confidence and direction. “I felt like a failure and had lost hope. But VYG taught me how to overcome challenges, and today I can proudly say I am a visionary youth,” she indicated.
