Youth at Okombahe identify teen pregnancy as major concern

Young people at Okombahe, a settlement in the Erongo region, face significant challenges in their personal development.

Rising teenage pregnancy rates, a growing lack of interest in education, insufficient transportation options and limited access to research facilities are all major concerns.

These issues were discussed at the most recent From The Ground Up community dialogue and advocacy workshop, hosted by Rural Rise Community Empowerment.

During the discussion, panelists highlighted teenage pregnancy, which remains a major concern in rural settlements.

Childbearing during the adolescent period affects girls attainment of their education.

Okambahe has recorded a high rate of young girls not completing primary education due to teenage pregnancy, and once they become mothers, they are unlikely to return to school.

Panelists noted that comprehensive sexual education and open discussions about responsibilities should be encouraged so that teenagers feel supported and can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Goab Dr Justus //Garoeb High School principal Ausebert Siboli highlights challenges like a lack of educational opportunities, no research facilities and teenage pregnancy.

“These girls suffer serious consequences because they now have someone to care for at their ages,” says Siboli.

Transportation is also a major issue, as young people are unable to attend youth events because they don’t have means to getting there, he adds.

Siboli believes the school feeding programme should also be expanded to secondary schools.

“There is a need for high-ranking officials to give back to their communities and for businesses to join forces to keep pupils in school.

Senior inspector Joseph Nambala, the station commander of Okombahe police station, says there are numerous challenges at the settlement, where young people commit various crimes, such as domestic violence, leading to increased school dropout rates.

Ursulla //Guruses, a representative of the !Oe #Gan Traditional Authority, claims many young people are not interested in their education and rather turn to alcohol and drugs.

She further claims some elders in the community are selling drugs and alcohol to young people.

According to Akser Mwafangeyo, a senior youth officer in the Erongo region for the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, the lack of access to information is a major factor.

He says decision-making plays an important role in young people’s success, as does having a sense of interest in the world around them.

He believes there are numerous opportunities available to young people, including farming in underserved areas.

He says young people should focus on mining, which requires adhering to specific processes, particularly those established by the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

RuralRise operations director Monalisa Tsuses says education is the key to success.

She notes that there have been various funding opportunities available but young people do not visit the constituency offices to get information.

“We are sharing information, but people are not joining in and discussing topics that are beneficial to them.”