Young people should be encouraged to stay and thrive in their communities, especially in the rural areas of the Erongo region.
Stefanus Petrus, the vice chairperson of the Erongo Youth Forum said this at an advocacy workshop and community conversation at Uis over the weekend.
He said the majority of young people in attendance were concerned about the numerous challenges they faced.
Speaking on the topic of ‘Empowering Rural Youth for Development in Namibia’, Petrus emphasised the importance of youth-led projects in reducing migration from rural to urban areas and encouraging long-term, sustainable development in rural communities.
He urged stakeholders to ensure that rural youth are not only participants, but leaders in determining their future, sending a message of hope and determination.
He emphasised the need for young people in rural areas to be inspired to stay and thrive in their communities because of their rich cultural heritage and untapped potential.
“It is time for their voices to become central to decision-making processes.
“For far too long, the rural youth have been marginalised,” Petrus said.
He urged everyone in attendance to get involved in efforts to advance sustainable development and remove barriers preventing young people from pursuing social and economic opportunities.
The secretary of the management committee of the Tsiseb Conservancy, Gregory Huseb, said mining in the conservancy’s breeding zone is a problem.
“There will be no farming or breeding in that specific area due to habitat loss as a result of mining activities that continue to expand within the settlement without the community’s awareness,” he said.
Huseb said the committee wants investors to interact with the community and spread awareness of what they will be contributing.
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