Justicia Shipena
A recent survey by the #BeFree Movement shows that youth unemployment, limited access to education, and lack of resources are among the main challenges facing young people in southern Namibia.
Of the 51 participants, 85% listed unemployment as their main concern, followed by 72% who cited education and 68% who pointed to resource constraints.
The findings informed the launch of the #BeFree Big Talk: Solutions Now initiative in the ||Karas region.
The movement, in partnership with Active Youth Organisation Namibia (AYO), is running a three-day programme aimed at amplifying youth voices and driving community-led solutions.
The programme, which began on Wednesday and ends Friday, is focused on mentorship, dialogue, and solutions aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
One key event took place on 30 July at St. Therese Secondary School in Tses.
During the “footsteps to success” school engagement, learners received school supplies and heard from deputy minister of the ministry of industries, mines and energy Gaudentia Kröhne, who shared her personal story of growing up in Tses.
Kröhne stressed the importance of education and resilience and urged learners to stay focused on their goals.
The main event will be held on 1 August at the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Amphitheatre.
Shortlisted youth will present SDG-focused proposals developed during July’s mentorship sessions. These proposals address issues such as substance abuse, gang violence, mental health, healthcare, gender inequality, and teenage pregnancy.
The presentations will be made to policymakers, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officials, community leaders, and fellow youth.
The dialogue will feature a high-level panel discussion moderated by youth development coordinator Lelly Amunyela.
It aims to connect young people with experts in law, environment, economics, and development.
The objective is to build partnerships, support youth-led enterprises, and scale local ideas for wider impact.
Support for the initiative comes from partners including NovaNam, Namdeb, the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company, and the Lüderitz Town Council, who have contributed funding and technical resources.
By linking community insight with institutional support, #BeFree Big Talk: Solutions Now is working to position youth as central players in shaping stronger, more inclusive communities in the southern regions of the country.
