By: Mavara Martin Shally
As a youth advocate, I have always believed in the power of education to transform lives. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent announcement to make tertiary education fully subsidised from the 2026 academic year is a monumental step in ensuring that every Namibian child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or financial situation.
For years, we have seen countless young people with bright futures held back by the simple fact that their families couldn’t afford the high cost of education. Many had to sit out after Grade 12, some dropped out of university due to unpaid fees, and others were left pleading for help on social media to fund their dreams. This reality, unfortunately, has become the norm for too many young Namibians.
Education should never be a privilege for the few…it is a right that should be accessible to all. The move to subsidise tertiary education is not just a policy decision; it’s an act of hope for those who’ve been left out and left behind. This initiative not only lightens the burden on parents but also opens the door for countless young people to access the education they deserve.
Yes, there will be debates about the value of education, but let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. Access to education is the first step to breaking the cycle of poverty and giving young people the tools they need to succeed. We can talk about unemployment and other challenges later, but right now, we should celebrate this progress that ensures every child has a chance to build their future.
Thank you, Madam President, for leading with vision and for prioritising the education of Namibia’s future leaders.
Mavara Martin Shally, a Swapo Youth League member in Grootfontein, is an advocate for youth empowerment. The views expressed are his own.
