Windhoek: The European Union (EU)'s delegation to Namibia, in collaboration with the embassies of Finland, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO), commemorated International Youth Day at Havana High School in Katutura. The celebration took place on Wednesday and aimed to engage young people from the Khomas Region in meaningful activities.
According to Namibia Press Agency, a press statement by Twaku Kayofa, Press and Communication Officer for the EU Delegation to Namibia, revealed that more than 100 young participants from eight schools attended the event. The highlight of the occasion was a dance competition that encouraged creativity, energy, and teamwork among the youth. Concordia College emerged victorious, with A. Shipena Secondary School and SOS Children's Village, nicknamed 'Super Star', securing second and third places respectively. Other participating schools included Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School, People's Primary School, Ella du Plessis Secondary School, Sunshine Private College, and Havana High School.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Dino Balloti, officiated the event, urging the youth to recognize their potential. He emphasized that future leaders, including nurses, doctors, ministers, and possibly a future president of Namibia, were present among the attendees.
EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, spoke on the occasion, emphasizing the importance of self-expression, cultural exchange, and the synergy created when young talents unite. She encouraged the youth to actively participate in shaping society, driving social innovation, challenging inequalities, and initiating change. Martins stressed that empowered youth are fundamental to any society that values freedom, democracy, and prosperity.
Martins also underscored the robust EU-Namibia partnership, which prioritizes youth in development efforts. She highlighted the EU's Youth Sounding Board as a platform that enables young Namibians to contribute to shaping EU policy and development programs that will impact their futures.
The event was part of the EU's continuous initiatives to engage Namibian youth through creative, inclusive, and empowering activities.