Youth Must Drive Namibia’s Economic Freedom

Namibia’s education system must equip young people to become advocates for Namibia’s economic freedom.

Reflecting on our high school days, we remember singing songs like ‘We are the Future, the Leaders of Tomorrow’.

Yet this vision feels overshadowed by youth unemployment and a lack of understanding among graduates about our country’s economic system, among other issues.

We honour the heroes and freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for our independence. Our parents fought for the political freedom we now enjoy.

Today, we are free, yet our economic dependence on other countries persists.

As young people, it is our responsibility to engage in the struggle for economic freedom. This battle does not call for weapons, but for intellect. It requires skilled individuals capable of enhancing our nation’s economy and promoting social development.

We, the youth, must leverage our education to generate innovative ideas to secure economic independence. Our parents have fulfilled their role by achieving freedom and providing us with education. Now, it is our turn to use the education system to equip ourselves with the necessary tools to ensure Namibia, our homeland, achieves economic independence.

There is a need for reform in our education system to ensure that pupils are trained and equipped with practical skills to produce and manufacture our own products, rather than relying on foreign goods. Our chemists should be educated, not only in dispensing medicine, but also in producing Namibian pharmaceuticals.

Similarly, our mechanical engineers should receive training, not only in automotive repairs, but also in automobile manufacturing.

The curriculum should include training pupils in disciplines that will foster Namibia’s economic independence.

In summary, fellow youth, we must unite and advocate for our nation’s economic freedom. Blaming our elders or leaders will not be beneficial, and unwarranted protests will not resolve our issues. Let us convene and collaboratively seek solutions. Our parents and leaders have fulfilled their roles by securing independence and education, therefore, let us use these advantages to advocate for economic freedom.

United, we can render Namibia self-sufficient and achieve economic liberation.

May divine favour be bestowed upon our homeland.

Lukas Libala

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