Ester Haikola-Sakaria is the Founder and Director of the NGO, Wakapinya Environmental Education. She granted us this exclusive interview.
Can you tell us about your family?
I have 10 siblings, 5 sisters and 5 brothers. I was raised by my grandparents in an extended family with my cousins and it was lovely. My mom and dad are wonderful parents. Today, I’m married to a man of God.
What is your earliest memory of your childhood?
I grew up in the Northern part of Namibia, in Okongo-Oluwaya Village. One thing I will tell you is that I have always loved nature. I spent most of my childhood in the forest herding my grandfather’s goats. I loved that.
Was education something that was emphasized in your family?
Yes, my late grandparents were never educated but they understood the importance of education. They really supported me until I finished school. They prayed for me and even went to the extent of selling their cattle for me to have a laptop and also for my school fees. I do really appreciate them.
Where do you think you get your sense of ambition from?
I have always been ambitious but when I joined the Youth Power Group, it became better, they believed in me, they prayed for me, and they motivated me to a point that I started a nonprofit organization.
You currently hold four qualifications from different institutions and right now doing your PhD, take us through your educational journey?
In 2016 I graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences Honors Degree in Environmental Biology and Geography. Ever since that day, I have been looking for a job in my field but got none until today. I ended up teaching high school for 8 years. This has led me to study further hoping to get an opportunity out of the classroom. Thus, I have successfully obtained a Certificate in Safety Management Training Course (SAMTRAC), Certificate in Trainer Development Programme (SAMTRAC Train the trainer course), Certificate in Project Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Mathematics and Biology), Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation and a Master’s of Science in Biodiversity Management and research. And I am currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Namibia.
At what age did you start this organization and what message do you have for young people who might have the same dream as you, and do not know how to go about pursuing it?
At the age of 26, Never give up, perseverance is the key. Trust in God and believe in yourself too. You can make the difference you have always dreamt of.
What is the meaning of Wakapinya and what is the organization about?
Wakapinya means let’s stand together. At Wakapinya, we are dedicated to fostering environmental awareness and promoting sustainable practices. Our organization envisions a world where people, regardless of age, embrace their role as stewards of the environment.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to educate, inspire, and empower individuals to take proactive steps towards safeguarding our planet. We believe that through education and community engagement, we can drive positive change and create a lasting impact on our environment.
Our Programs:
Wakapinya offers a range of educational programs designed to engage individuals of all ages. These programs include nature excursions, wildlife conservation workshops, waste management seminars, and more. Our approach is hands-on, interactive, and tailored to address the unique needs of our participants.
Given the crucial founder and director role you hold in Wakapinya Environmental Education organization, take us through the organization’s journey.
Wakapinya Environmental Education is an NGO that dedicated to fostering environmental awareness and promoting sustainable practices. Our organization envisions a world where people, regardless of age, embrace their role as stewards of the environment. This is done by creating a greater understanding of sustainability and promoting environmentally responsible behavior among young people and learners.
We believe that by educating and empowering the youth, we can cultivate a future generation that actively participates in environmental stewardship. Wakapinya offers a range of educational programs designed to engage individuals of all ages. These programs include nature excursions, wildlife conservation workshops, waste management seminars, and more. Our approach is hands-on, interactive, and tailored to address the unique needs of our participants. The NGO has established a weekly podcast (Youth Enviro Show) which reached more than 100 000 youths in Namibia as well as Worldwide. The organization received a recognition from Namibian Government and was selected to participate at a side event called “Science and youth Day- videos” at COP27 2022. Wakapinya Environmental Education so far planted more than approximately 150 tress country wide.
How does Wakapinya serve various communities?
Wakapinya Environmental Education creates environmental awareness both in schools and in the community. Wakapinya offers a range of educational programs designed to engage individuals of all ages. These programs include nature excursions, wildlife conservation workshops, waste management seminars, clean up campaigns and tree planting.
With the education you are providing communitoes with, what impact have you so far noticed?
Many community members and school learners are now aware of climate change and environmental aware. They are practicing what they have learnt. Our educational materials are also used in schools. Some youths are already planting trees on their own in their communities. Since our inception, Wakapinya has reached more than 100 000 individuals, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and their potential solutions. Our programs have led to cleaner neighborhoods, reduced waste, and increased conservation efforts, all of which contribute to a more sustainable future.
How does Wakapinya Environmental Education help the youth inparticular?
We do not just educate them about the environment, but we engage them, we empower them, we expose them to opportunities within the environment sector. We engage the youths in open discussions about climate change which is essential for driving change. This is done by organizing debates and it helps young minds exchange ideas, learn from experts, and contribute to informed solutions. Debates are a powerful way to encourage critical thinking and dialogue on important topics. So, all in all under Youth Empowerment we equip young minds with the knowledge and skills to actively participate in environmental preservation, fostering a generation of responsible citizens.
In the past two years, Wakapinya Environmental Education so far established environmental clubs in schools, organized youth seminars for the youths specifically in Okongo, Ohangwena Region, held school road shows which entail cleaning up campaigns and tree planting in the Otjozondjupa, Khomas, and Hardap region in Namibia. In addition, The NGO also established gardens and taught young people about the environment.
Through the starting and running of the organization, what are some of the remarkable challenges that you have encountered, or has it always been a smooth process?
Not at all, it was never a smooth process. The most remarkable challenge is funding. Running an NGO without resources is quite difficult. As much as we want to be impactful, lack of financial support is a hindrance. If there is someone willing to fund the NGO or would like to collaborate kindly contact us at wakapinyaee@gmail.com/ 0816360045.
Where do you picture this organization in 5 years to come?
In 5 years, the organization will make a difference not just in all of 14 regions in Namibia but in Africa as well. There will be a high increase of environmental awareness and education among young people.
Many will understand their local and global environment as well as live sustainably towards their environment.
Our mission is to educate, inspire, and empower individuals to take proactive steps towards safeguarding our planet. We believe that through education and community engagement, we can drive positive change and create a lasting impact on our environment.
What can the public at large do to ensure that the goals of this Nonprofit organization are met or how can one renter a helping hand as an individual?
By working together and cooperate. I will also not shy away from the fact that this NGO is making an impact in young people’s lives as well as combating climate change, one may give support by sponsoring these projects.
