Girl Guides key to building leaders, says president

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the Girl Guides Association-Namibia Thinking Day celebration, Ongwediva, ELCIN Church, 3 May 2025

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I am pleased to join the Girl Guides Association of Namibia as we gather to celebrate World Thinking Day. World Thinking Day, which is a global moment of reflection and unity, is celebrated this year under the theme, ‘Our Story’. This day, which is normally celebrated on the 22nd of February, also reminds the guides of two great thinkers born on that day – Lord Baden-Powell and Olave Baden-Powell, founders of the Boy Scouts Movement and World Chief Guide, respectively. Thus, we are given the responsibility to always think about the best way to protect our surroundings and the world at large.

‘Our Story’ is not just a phrase. Guided by the promises we made – to love God, our country, and to obey the rules of the guides – our story is the very essence of what we are. It is characterised by courage, resilience, and sisterhood that have defined the World Guides and the Girl Guides Association of Namibia for over a century. It is the story of every girl who has learned to tie a knot, sing a campfire song, read all the guides’ signs and stand tall for what she believes in. It is the story of how our movement has provided a safe space for growth and development for so many young girls in Namibia. One of the central parts of being a guide is to give, share and care for one another. A guide is always happy, thus gaining peace of mind to genuinely appreciate nature and take care of others.

As a guide myself, and having accepted to be the patron of the Girl Guides Association of Namibia in an independent Namibia, I know firsthand the profound impact this movement has on shaping lives. ‘Our Story’ includes my own journey – the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the values instilled. It is a story that continues to resonate within me. It is for this reason that years back, I requested the ministry of education to allow guides to be organised at school – a request that was accepted. All that remains now is for the leaders of the association and the parents to see how our children can be taken into guides, just as it happened during our time. One thing must be made clear: a guide is a volunteer in many respects. And remember, volunteering is not just an act of kindness; it is an investment in our future, a way to build stronger communities, and a path to personal fulfilment.

Today, we celebrate ‘Our Story’ by recognising the crucial role of non-formal education in empowering not only young women but all children. The Girl Guides Association of Namibia provides a unique educational experience, complementing formal schooling with life skills, leadership training, and a global perspective. Thus, it empowers girls to become active, responsible, and compassionate citizens.

We are part of a global family, connected by our shared values and our commitment to making a positive impact. ‘Our Story’ is intertwined with the stories of millions of Girl Guides around the world. Our active participation strengthens Namibia’s recognition and standing within the global guiding community, and we are proud to be a part of this global family.

Part of ‘Our Story’ includes the challenges guides face in Namibia. Our country is vast with limited resources, and it is not easy to reach every girl, especially those in underserved communities. Despite these obstacles, the guides in Namibia have persevered, driven by the unwavering spirit of members and the transformative impact seen in our communities. Girls are motivated to become leaders through the association’s programmes and various activities. The association works in perfect harmony with the national education policy, which emphasises holistic development and lifelong learning. As guides, our role is critical in fostering well-rounded individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.

Today, I call upon all Namibians to recognise and support the invaluable work of the Girl Guides Association. Let us amplify ‘Our Story’ and raise public awareness of our mission. We aim to generate excitement and participation from Girl Guides, their families, and the wider community. 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. I also call on our counterparts, the Boys Scouts, to do the same. We need every Namibian child to be moulded to become a leader and to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of our society.

To our media partners, educational institutions, government officials, and corporate sponsors – we invite you to join us in writing the next chapter of ‘Our Story’. Your support is crucial in empowering young women and men to build a brighter future for Namibia.

I would like to take this moment to pay tribute to the countless volunteers who are the unsung heroes of ‘Our Story’. Their dedication and selfless service are the foundation of our association.

As I conclude, I must say to the young Girl Guides here today – 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. Your experiences, your dreams, and your contributions are all vital parts of our collective narrative. Standing before you, serving today as president of the Republic of Namibia, I have firsthand experience of the value of being a Girl Guide. I thank my parents, my siblings, my teachers, and all members of the community in which I grew up for not standing in my way to become a Girl Guide. And I am very proud to be part of ‘Our Story’ now and in future.

Let us continue to write ‘Our Story’ together – a story of empowerment, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making the world, and Namibia in particular, a better place for all. Remember your commitment when you were admitted to the Guide: “With the help of God, I promise to love God, my country and to obey the rules of guides.” This is equal to the oath of office I took on 21 March this year in assuming the position of president of the country. And those are the words that should lead one’s life once the oath is taken. And for a guide, once you are a guide, you remain a guide.

Once again, I feel very honoured to be part of this wonderful celebration as we mark World Thinking Day 2025. Today’s event has taken me back to our days at Onandjokwe and Odibo, among other places.

I wish all members of the Girl Guides Association of Namibia, their families, and members of their communities success in writing and shaping ‘Our Story’ and our inheritance moving forward.

I thank you!

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