Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged junior national council members to strive to promote good moral, ethical and professional values by influencing their peers to avoid bad social behaviour such as drug or alcohol abuse and abstain from unsafe sex.
She was speaking during Tuesday’s official opening of the third session of the Junior National Council.
She said social ills have a detrimental effect on young people’s education and their future. They should remember that the government aims to create a knowledge-based society.
She added that this goal can only be achieved when learners, teachers, and parents take education seriously.
“We are educating you towards attaining Vision 2030 and Agenda 2063, you must also prepare yourselves to be global citizens. This includes the attainment of cultural awareness, linguistic skills, and international outlook necessary to engage with and contribute to the betterment of the global community. We will be glad to see you as Namibia’s future leaders representing our nation with pride on the world stage,” she pleaded.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further encouraged school-going children to engage passionately and thoughtfully in their deliberations.
She said they represent the future of the nation and their contributions will shape the path the government is taking towards a prosperous and equitable Namibia by 2030 and beyond.
Speaking at the same occasion, the Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping said since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China has funded the construction of 8 schools in Namibia.
Every year, dozens of Namibian students receive scholarships to study in China and more than 300 Namibians go to China to undertake various training programs.
“I was especially delighted that the Embassy has sponsored the football team of Namibia School Sport Union to participate in the International School Federation Football World Cup 2024 which was held in May this year in China. I want to tell our JNC delegates that we are determined to do more to benefit the Namibian young people,” said Weiping.
He added that despite a small population of 3 million, Namibia ranks as the 34th largest country in the world in terms of land size. A country with long-term political stability, a sound legal system and a strong determination for national development. Therefore, Namibia is on the way to becoming the fourth largest oil producer in Africa, and it is destined for an economic takeoff in the foreseeable future.
“As good friends and close development partners, our two countries will continue to uphold the banner of south-south cooperation, and deepen practical cooperation in extensive areas which I believe will certainly bring more benefits to our two peoples, including the youths of both countries,” he stated.
