Patience Makwele
Young Namibians have been encouraged to dream beyond their circumstances and make full use of the opportunities available to them as the country joined the rest of the continent in commemorating the International Day of the African Child on Tuesday.
In her message marking the day, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the courage of the children who participated in the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976 should continue to inspire young Africans to pursue education, embrace opportunity and work towards a better future.
“Their sacrifice helped pave the way for the freedoms many African children enjoy today,” she said.
“Because of the struggles of those who came before them, today’s African child can dream without limits, pursue knowledge without barriers and aspire to become a teacher, engineer, farmer, entrepreneur, scientist, artist, doctor, leader or anything else their talents and ambitions allow.”
The International Day of the African Child commemorates the thousands of schoolchildren who took to the streets of Soweto in 1976 to protest against apartheid’s discriminatory education policies, with many losing their lives during the demonstrations.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the young protesters stood against a system that sought to dictate their future and deny them opportunities.
“They were standing up against a system that denied them the freedom to dream, to choose their own path and to realise their full potential,” she said.
For 20-year-old University of Namibia student Alinautoni Ndeunyema, the history of Soweto remains relevant for young Namibians today.
“When you hear the story of the children of Soweto, you realise that they fought for opportunities many of us now have access to,” Ndeunyema said.
“It reminds us that education is not something to take for granted and that our dreams matter.”
Ndeunyema added that while young people today enjoy greater freedoms, many still face challenges such as unemployment, poverty and unequal access to opportunities.
“We can honour the children of Soweto by making the most of our education and continuing to advocate for every child to have the same opportunities to succeed,” she said.
This year’s commemoration was held under the theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.”
The president said access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene remains essential for children’s health, education and dignity.
“Access to clean water, proper sanitation and hygiene is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right and an essential foundation for health, education, dignity and development,” the Head of State noted.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also raised concern about challenges that continue to threaten children’s wellbeing, including abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence.
“We must speak out against these injustices and work collectively to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, caring and supportive environment,” she said.
Twenty-three-year-old youth activist Selma Kamutjindo told Young Observer that the Day of the African Child should also encourage young people to become advocates for vulnerable children.
“There are still children who struggle with access to education, basic services and safe environments,” Kamutjindo said.
“Dreaming big also means helping create a society where every child has the chance to realise their potential.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia remains committed to expanding opportunities for children through education, healthcare and social protection, noting that the country’s development depends on the development of its people.
She highlighted government’s commitment to subsidised tertiary education at public institutions as one of the investments aimed at equipping young people with skills and knowledge needed for national development.
As Africa marked fifty years since the Soweto Uprising, many young Namibians said the commemoration was not only about remembering the past but also about recognising the responsibility they carry to build a more inclusive and prosperous future.
“The opportunities available to our children were hard won and should never be taken for granted,” the president said.
