Leadership among students at the University of Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba (HP) Campus is not about rhetoric and eloquence but about presence.
This is the approach fourth-year bachelor of education student Olavi Lazarus has taken. Lazarus has been working behind the scenes to build a legacy of youth empowerment and service.
Born in the Oshikoto region and an alumnus of Reverend Juuso Shikongo Senior Secondary School, Lazarus joined the University of Namibia (Unam) aiming to become a science teacher.
But life had other plans. He discovered a higher calling – leadership through service.
His journey began in 2022 as a student assistant and later class representative.
“It was not about the title,” Lazarus says. “It was about being there for others, even when no one was watching.”
The same philosophy spurred him on to rise through the ranks as student representative of the HP Campus student representative council (SRC), academic affairs in 2023, where he promoted student learning support during the post-Covid-19 transition.
By 2024, he had earned two senior positions: SRC vice president for HP Campus and deputy president for all 12 Unam campuses.
He was also an executive member of the National African Students Association, serving as a representative of Namibian students for issues related to national education policy deliberations.
Following national recognition, Lazarus went back to HP Campus in 2025 to hold a special second term as SRC vice president – a tribute to the admiration he has gained from his peers.
“Olavi (Lazarus) was ever faithful and committed. He did not seek ideal situations – he created them,” says HP Campus student leadership development officer Walter Hangula.
It is not only about titles, though, as Lazarus is interested in mentoring and motivating fellow students to take action.
“Leadership starts by raising your hand, voicing for others and electing to select yourself when nobody else will,” he says.
He believes leadership isn’t reserved for the privileged few – it’s a mindset that can be reached by anyone who will take the leap.
“To all the young people out there: You don’t need to be the loudest. Just show up, be you, and be consistent.”
As Lazarus prepares to graduate and become a teacher, his journey sends a powerful message: youth leadership matters. It’s not about being in the spotlight – it’s about showing up, serving others and creating a ripple effect of good.
– This article was generated with the assistance of AI
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