Sem Uutoni on the Importance of Creating Opportunities

When you want something, then you go for it.

For 28-year-old Sem Uutoni, what he wanted came in the form of a scholarship which he sought in order to better his chances of employment.

After studying at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Uutoni yearned for a little more. He managed to secure a place for himself as a member of the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps Network with which he represented Namibia at the 28th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Ethiopia last month.

Uutoni spoke to YouthPaper about the importance of creating opportunities.

Uutoni moved up and down the country as a child, a process which he says helped him to be able to adapt easily. “My reality growing up was much like the reality of many Namibian families today,” he said. “I lived in an informal settlement for my entire childhood, with limited amenities but something that I am eternally grateful for is that, my mother always ensured that I never went to bed hungry. That is a privilege I still enjoy today and I feel very blessed, especially after looking at the realities of those around me.”

Spending his early childhood in Ekamaba and Etilyasa village in northern Namibia, he moved to Keetmanshoop at six years old with his mother and began his primary education there. “I stayed there for about four years and then I relocated to Tsumkwe for two years with my father as he was employed there. After that, I moved to Oshakati where I completed my secondary education at Gabriel Taapopi Secondary School.”

Once he was done, he proceeded to study rural development at NUST but that wasn’t enough. “I had a very strong desire to further my studies and as a result, I resolved to actively search for scholarship opportunities. I specifically wanted to study abroad as I believed at the time that living in another country would give me the kind of exposure that I needed in my line of work and put me in a better position to pursue international opportunities. This would help me to be in an environment where I am not only challenged but can learn and ultimately to grow in my academic and personal capacity.”

In his search for a scholarship, he stumbled upon the Hungarian Stipendium Scholarship programme offered by the Hungarian government in collaboration with the Namibian government.

“I spent about a month working on my application, submitted it and I was awarded the scholarship opportunity,” he said.

Thanks to the scholarship, Uutoni is currently pursuing a two-year master’s degree in regional development and environment economics at Kaposvar University in Hungary which he expects to complete in about five months.

Since studying at the Hungarian university, Uutoni was invited by Maltepe University in Istanbul, Turkey to speak at their Annual Youth Congress in 2016.

“I spoke on a youth perspective on culture and community development as catalysts for sustainable development specially highlighting the role and responsibility of the youth in preserving and promoting culture.

As well as the opportunities for young people to be at the forefront of sustainable development and sustainable development goals in their communities,” he said.

“The experience was absolutely incredible, I not only got to speak my mind on these relevant developmental issues, but I also got to learn from the other young scholars that were invited. I am invited again to the 2017 congress.”

Additionally, there was another experience at a Romanian university where he was chosen to enhance his skills – the Aspire Academy.

“My experience at Aspire was very empowering – it is one that I often term life-changing,” Uutoni shared. “Aspire Academy is a programme that aims to develop the next generation of young leaders and entrepreneurs. Aspire Academy’s training sessions are delivered by professors from Harvard University, Stanford University and other Ivy League universities.”

There, he received training which involved authentic leadership development, governance and public policy, media training, communication and negotiation and design thinking, among other courses.

“One of sectors that Aspire places attention on is the importance of young people entering into governance and public service; governments have the overarching power and ability to effect significant change to major world problems, hence it is imperative for this generation to revolutionise the outlook on governance and ultimately be part of the contributors of lasting and positive change. The Aspire programme brought to light many qualities that I didn’t even realise I had and demonstrated to me how I can develop them in order to propel me to my desired trajectory. The programme reiterated to me and other participants that we all have gifts and ultimately a responsibility to our communities and the world. There is genuinely no experience like it!”

Speaking on who motivated him, Uutoni had a variety of people in mind. “My grandmother and my mother are definitely my biggest motivations. They are strong women that have demonstrated to me the values of perseverance, excellence and sacrifice through their work and service to our country. Apart from that, I have an incredible support network that includes my siblings, my family and my friends.” Uutoni also said that the environments he has been put in are just as motivating, including the 28th ordinary session of assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Ethiopia.

“It is through attending events like this that I get motivated and challenged to aim higher, work harder and reach higher,” he said.

Sharing advice for Namibian students who also aspire to travel internationally for a good cause, Uutoni said he was a firm believer of discovering one’s niche and not only developing, but exploiting it.

“I believe that you can be good at many things but you can only be great or world-class at one thing. So to all young people, know the cause(s) that you are passionate about and would like to contribute towards.

That is the beginning,” he advised, also mentioning that there is no overnight success.