Kavango West marches against child violenc

LYLIE JOËL

Pupils, teachers and officials from various offices in the Kavango West region joined the nationwide outcry against violence towards children on Tuesday by marching to the governor’s office at Nkurenkuru.

The march was one of many held nationwide in response to the murders of Ingrid Maasdorp (5), Roswinds Fabianu (6), Beyonce !Kharuxas (15) at Okahandja.

It started at the Nkurenkuru-Nepara T-Junction and proceeded to the governor’s office where a petition was presented to Kavango West Regional Council chairperson Joseph Sikongo, representing governor Verna Sinimbo.

Lizette Kunugas, a pupil from ELCIN Nkurenkuru High School, read the petition.
“We deserve to be valued and safeguarded to move freely without any fear of being violated. We are calling for an end to violence against children,” she stated.

Kunugas urged community members, parents, teachers, and leaders to stand in solidarity with children.
“Listen to what we have to say, we need your protection. The time to act and put an end to violence against children is now and not in the future,” she said.

Tjakula Nicodemus, education inspector for the Ncuncuni circuit, commended the solidarity shown during the march. He stressed the importance of safety awareness, particularly for girls, whom he identified as being disproportionately targeted.

“It is important to alert parents, guardians, or anybody else at home when going out. Don’t just disappear while those who are looking after you do not know where you are,” Nicodemus advised.

Sylvia Nande, a teacher from ELCIN Nkurenkuru High School, highlighted that while the Okahandja incidents have garnered significant attention, numerous other cases of violence against children go unreported. She made an appeal to men, urging them to reject violent behaviour and embrace their role as protectors of their families and the wider community.

– Nampa