A Step Forward

I shift uncomfortably in my seat as I sit in this bus on my way to Windhoek like many other young people who have passed Grade 12 and now come in search of a place in our country’s tertiary institutions, mainly the University of Namibia (Unam) and the Polytechnic of Namibia (Poly).

With every distance travelled, I feel the change and I try so hard to keep close the advice I was given before I took this journey. I, like many other young people, am headed there where people change, where temptation is the devil’s child. Where there is a fine line between order and chaos, but also where good and evil are juxtaposed.

I am in deep thought as I travel here today. I keep convincing myself that, just like mom said I should study, I will. Just like uncle said I should stay away from the girls, I will. Just like aunt said that that which I am given at home should satisfy me, I will be satisfied.

I am not the only one taking this road. I am one of many. It might be that in the seat I am seated, others have sat already. The difference is only that when we arrive at the same destination, we will do things differently. This journey to Windhoek for many young people spells doom, for some it is salvation. The choices we make are what will determine that.

What we should keep in mind as young, financially dependant people is that our parents are trying to the best of their abilities to help us. Them seeing us go to university is a good thing but they fear that Windhoek may consume us.

They fear we will become thieves, prostitutes, alcoholics and drug addicts. And they have the right to fear because in fact, where we are headed, is the devil’s playground. Boys and girls, do not let the teachings of your parents go to waste. Do not let their efforts to pay your school fees amount to nothing. Do not embarrass your elders.

Many of us are being placed in family houses we’ve never stepped foot before. People talk, you are only good if you are progressing, otherwise no one will tolerate you. Instil pride in everyone around you. Strive to succeed.

The point of all of this is just to remind you to stay true to yourself. You from the north, do not be intimidated by the urban kids. You from the coast, don’t let the city lights change you. There are a lot of people counting on you where you came from, do not become a negative statistic to the City of Windhoek. Keep your eye on the prize, strive to succeed.

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