Being a child parliamentarian is a huge privilege that comes with the responsibility of making a difference in the lives of others.
This was said by the speaker of the sixth session of the children’s parliament of Namibia, Jane Phiri, as she reflected on her tenure which started in July 2024, under the theme ‘Transforming Education in Namibia’.
“Always remember why you are there and who you represent. Be willing to listen, learn and serve others,” said the former Dr Lemmer High School pupil who is now in her first year of the LLB programme at the University of Namibia.
Phiri said while child parliamentarians do not have the constitutional power to pass laws, they represent children’s voices, advocate their rights and make recommendations to decision-makers.
“During our term, we held discussions on education, child protection, health and youth empowerment to ensure the needs and interests of Namibian children are considered when policies and laws are made.
“This helps to create a safer, more inclusive and supportive environment for children across Namibia,” she said.
According to Simon Uirab of the Office of the Speaker of the National Assembly, the children’s parliament term is normally two years but it will continue until the next parliament comes into office.
“That will probably be next year,” he says.
Phiri said the highlights of her term as parliament member was meeting national leaders as well as participating in the World Children’s Day celebrations in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in November 2024.
This event brought together over 7 000 children and heads of state from seven southern African countries.
Phiri said as the child parliamentarian for Rehoboth, she participated in a number of community and school-based programmes.
“I was involved in Namibia National Students Organisation events while I was still in school and took part in menstrual health awareness programmes, anti-drug and alcohol abuse campaigns and drug awareness events. I also visited schools to urge pupils to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams and understand that their circumstances do not define their future,” she said.
One of the highlights of her term was being invited to officially open the school parliament at Hage G Geingob High School in Windhoek, she said.
“It was incredibly inspiring to see young people taking an interest in leadership, governance and politics at such an early age,” she said.
Her biggest challenge was finding where she could make the greatest impact.
“At times, I felt overwhelmed by thebresponsibility of representing young people and balancing school work, leadership and personal commitments,” she added.
Phiri said as a group, child members of parliament participated in parliament sittings, advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagements, community outreach activities and events commemorating important days such as the Day of the African Child and World Children’s Day.
“One of our biggest challenges was that we come from different regions and also from different schools. This made it difficult for us to meet regularly and coordinate activities, especially while balancing our academic responsibilities. However, through regular communication and teamwork, we remained connected and ensured our impact was felt across the country,” she said.
The child speaker said going forward, she will be more involved in her community because leadership does not end with campaigning — “it continues through service and delivering on the promises we make”.
– matthew@namibian.com.na
