Youth empowerment for sustainable development
Youth are the largest segment of the population; they are ablebodied to do the jobs efficiently and on time, with fresh brains to think critically and find solutions to problems that lie in their way. All those innovative ideas and good characteristics they possess allow them to be useful human resources in development.
In developing countries, they are viewed as the backbone of the economy and as a driving force as well. History has taught us that the most praised war veterans in Namibia were in their youthful ages, which is why they successfully managed to fight and liberate our country from colonial apartheid. Otherwise, people might argue it could not have happened.
It is imperative to empower youth in many aspects of developmental interventions, such as health, socio-economics, sport, art, agriculture, mining and political stability, just to mention a few. But, at this juncture, I want to focus more on sustainable development.
I got the opportunity to be selected to represent the Oshana region at the National Youth Climate Change Summit that took place at the Mercure Hotel in Windhoek, organised by the Youth4Can Association in partnership with the National Youth Council. I had the opportunity to meet my fellow youth from all 14 regions and was so impressed with how they came up with solutions to the devastation that climate change has caused to biodiversity.
Throughout the summit and deliberations that the youth came up with, it reminded me that youth are not lazy as it is viewed by some of our leaders. They emphasised policies and interventions that are aimed at mitigating the impact of climate change, such as the use of solar electricity because Namibia has sufficient sun rays and if these mass projects are put into action there would be no doubt that our country would be self-sufficient in terms of electricity.
Some youths around the country have shown tangible results. For instance, a young man from Oshakati, Sevelen Ndeshuuva, who collects old tyres and turns them into chairs, is a testimony that youth are working tirelessly to address socio-economic challenges.
The government, with the assistance of stakeholders, must work hand in hand to groom and empower youths who are initiating projects. For instance, once again in 2016, there was a story of a young man from Outapi who made aircraft from car parts. With this example, he could be empowered. For instance, the government could sponsor him to go study abroad, and after he returned, a workshop for him could be constructed to share knowledge and skills with others and create job opportunities for him. Due to the lack of empowerment, his innovative ideas ended there.
Youth empowerment programmes
This should be done in such a way that programmes undertaken are action-oriented, which means undertakings such as protecting and fostering an environment that nurtures the well-being of current and future generations. For example, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism should focus more on sustainable development and financing for youth projects and capitalise on existing progress.
The government should reject all forms of marginalisation, involve young people in all political, social, and economic issues, and take their opinions into account.
This will open opportunities for them to express their ideas and their views of the world by giving youth space to be creative without fear.
Providing funding to young people who came up with business proposals that presented market-based solutions that are innovative and scalable, is crucial.
The government should provide them with workshops and mentorship programmes. This will help youth without a business mindset earn skills to be more competitive and navigate challenges that they may encounter.
More football stadiums should be constructed. These could not only bring youth together but also boost the economy through events and tourism. Identifying local talents and fostering a more inclusive society by establishing centres of thought. Local authority councils must remove high fees whenever they are hosting their trade fairs and business expos to allow more youth to showcase their products or services freely.
Lastly, I want to urge government and the private sector in their capacities to invest in and empower youth for the betterment of the developmental agenda, and let us all be assured that providing education to the youth alone without empowerment attached will never be sufficient to curb the challenges facing the youth.