Churches urged to guide children’s morals and support communities

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is urging parents to take their children to Sunday school, and is calling on churches to provide practical support, addressing moral and social challenges in communities.

She said this during the 100th anniversary of St Mary’s Mission at Odibo in the Ohangwena region on Saturday.

“I am encouraging the diocese to explore innovative plans that bridge faith and present-day challenges, offering solutions that uplift and empower people,” she said.

She said the church should create safe spaces with programmes that restore people’s dignity and purpose.

“Let’s walk alongside those who feel unseen, unheard, and unloved. Let’s remind them they are not alone,” Nandi-Ndaitwah urged.

She said although she is aware of the call to introduce Bible teaching in schools and the call is justifiable, moral education is already part of the school curriculum and it is time to pay serious attention to it.

“I’m, therefore, calling on churches to open Sunday schools and parents to ensure they take their children there,” she said.

“Sunday school enables children to be introduced to religious teachings early on in life. Ensuring discipline in our children should be a collective responsibility. We should start teaching our children at home.

“A house without morality will result in children who are not disciplined, and if children are not disciplined at home, how can one expect this at school? Let’s all be part of the solution,” she urged.

Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that although Namibia is a secular state, it is important to nurture the historical partnership between the church and the government to ensure the teaching of compassion, service, and integrity continues to remain deeply embedded in the hearts of the community.

At the same event, former president Hifikepunye Pohamba urged the church to continue to be a guiding light in people’s spiritual, social, and educational lives.

“This church played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of many people through education, guidance, and the foundation of faith. Through your missionary, schools and leaders were nurtured,” he said.

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