YOUTH IN ACTION

This month we had the honour of speaking to Mr. Valde Leonard, a young visionary bringing home grown authentic native food to the national spotlight.

Personal Journey

Mr. Leonard went to primary school in Aus, a settlement in the ǁKaras Region of southern Namibia. He then went on to complete his secondary school education in Keetmanshoop.

Finally completing his tertiary education at the University of Namibia where he studied as a para veterinarian or simply a veterinary nurse. Mr. Leonard is a veterinary nurse/para veterinarian by profession, he spent a year and eight months in the vet industry before turning his focus to VNA Native Foods full time. VNA Native Foods

VNA Native Foods is a business that aims to professionally package and distribute Namibian Native foods. VNA Native Foods first became a concept in 2017, one year after the founder - Mr. Leonard left University. The business was created with the aim of adding value to indigenous Namibian food, and empowering native Namibians. Mr. Leonard was inspired to pursue the business when he noticed that supermarkets in Namibia did not sell indigenous Namibian food. Additionally, his entrepreneurial background helped him realize his dream. He said that "my mother sells traditional brews, and I was involved in her business since childhood.”. Mr. Leonard says his drive is motivated by his strong desire to help others and himself escape the cycle of poverty as his company employs and empowers rural women. “My company has started a first of its kind project whereby we acquire our spinach on a contract harvesting and farming system from rural women all over Namibia” said Mr. Leonard.