Nandi-Ndaitwah urges JNC members to champion education
Sakeus Iikela
Vice President H.E Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on members of the Junior National Council to lead by example and encourage their peers to stay away from harmful behaviours such as alcohol and drugs, which can negatively impact education.She made these remarks when she officially opened the third session of the Junior National Council (JNC) on Tuesday.
The JNC provides a platform for young people across the country to engage in the legislative process and understand how the government functions.It also helps them develop public speaking skills and gain insight into policy–making as well as the roles of policy makers.The JNC also allows young people to voice their concerns and propose solutions on issues affecting them.
Members of the JNC are nominated from schools representing all 14 regions, with each region sending three representatives who serve for a period of three years.The theme for this year’s session is: “Educating a Namibian child fit for Agenda 2063 and beyond”.During the statement, Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the importance of commitment to education from pupils, teachers, and parents alike to build a knowledge-based society.
She emphasised the government’s commitment to education and urged all stakeholders to eliminate barriers to learning for children and to ensure that the education system is not only responsive to the current needs of our society, but also anticipates the demands of the future.This is critical, she said, because with the emergence of industries such as Green Hydrogen and oil and gas, Namibia is more than ever compelled to equip its citizens with “the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world”.
“This means embracing a holistic approach to education that goes beyond the mere acquisition of literacy and academic knowledge. To educate a Namibian child fit for Agenda 2063, … we are obliged to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, must have access to education and training opportunities that are both equitable and of high quality,” she said.
The Vice President also emphasised the importance of integrating digital literacy into the education system, advocating for the creation of smart classrooms to prepare students for a technology-driven future.
“Only then, we will prepare our learners and students to navigate and succeed in a world where technology plays an integral role in every aspect of life,” she said.She therefore urged JNC members and young people at large to make use of opportunities made available and hone their critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.By doing so, nandi-Ndaitwah said, Namibia will “definitely create a generation of thinkers and doers who can drive Namibia’s development into Vision 2030 and beyond”.“As you take on the role of Junior Legislators, I encourage you to promote ethical values and responsible behaviour among your peers. Our goal is to build a knowledge-based society where education is valued by students, teachers, and parents alike,” she said.
Also speaking at the official opening of the JNC, Chinese ambassador to Namibia, H.E Zhao Weiping, expressed his country’s commitment to contribute to Namibia’s efforts of advancing youth related programs.
He pledged that his embassy will continue to support the JNC with various sponsorships to ensure that young people in Namibia continue to learn and voice their opinions on matters of national and international concern.
“The Chinese Embassy is very glad to have sponsored the JNC since last year and we will continue to provide our support every year in future,” he said.
