Niël Terblanché
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for national support for the Girl Guides Association of Namibia (GGAN), describing it as an important contributor to youth development and nation-building.
Speaking at the 2025 World Thinking Day celebration in Ongwediva at the ELCIN Church over the weekend, Nandi-Ndaitwah shared her personal experience as a former guide and encouraged others to help grow the movement.
‘Outory’ is not just a phrase. It is characterised by courage, resilience, and sisterhood that has defined the World Guides and the Girl Guides Association of Namibia for over a century,” she said.
The Head of State explained that this year’s theme captures both individual experiences and the collective impact of guiding across generations.
Reflecting on how her own involvement in the movement shaped her outlook, she recalled how years ago, she requested the Ministry of Education to allow guides to be organised at school, a request that was accepted.
She called on the leaders of the Association and parents to continue this work and help young Namibians join the movement.
Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the importance of volunteering, describing it as more than just an act of kindness. “Volunteering is an investment in our future, a way to build stronger communities, and a path to personal fulfilment,” she said.
She noted that the Girl Guides provide young Namibians with access to non-formal education, leadership training, and a space for personal growth, especially in areas underserved by traditional schooling.
GGAN was established in 1923 as a region of the Girl Guides Association of South Africa. The first guide company was formed in Windhoek in 1928.
Despite Namibia’s vast geography and limited resources, she praised the perseverance of the movement. “The guides in Namibia have persevered, driven by the unwavering spirit of members and the transformative impact that is seen in our communities,” she said.
The president called for national support, urging educational institutions, the media, the government, and the private sector to partner with the association in strengthening its mission.
“Let us amplify ‘Our Story’ and raise public awareness of our mission. We must showcase the positive impact of our association on the lives of young women and establish the Girl Guides as a leader in youth development,” she said.
She also invited the Boy Scouts to join in expanding opportunities for Namibian youth. “We need every Namibian child to be moulded to be a leader and to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of our society,” she added.
Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the young Girl Guides directly: “Remember that you are the authors of the next chapter of ‘Our Story’. Embrace the opportunities that guiding offers, and never underestimate the power of your potential.”
Recalling her own oath as a guide, she noted its parallel to the oath of office she took as head of state. “Once you are a guide, you remain a guide.”
After Namibia’s independence in 1990, GGAN became known as the Girl Guides Association of Namibia.
It became an associate member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in 1993 and gained full membership in 1999.
Today, the Association has more than 5 000 members and focuses on developing life skills, leadership qualities, and community service in girls and young women across the country.
