Opuwo:Namibia's First Gentleman, Lieutenant General (Retired) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, has called on boys to take responsibility for their futures in the face of rising concerns about school dropouts, drug abuse, and crime.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Ndaitwah addressed learners in Opuwo on Tuesday, discussing the theme 'The Plight of the Boy Child'. He stressed the importance of parental guidance, mentorship, education, and skills development in shaping boys into responsible citizens and future leaders.
He raised concerns about school dropout rates, referencing statistics that showed 45 boys had left Mureti High School. Ndaitwah highlighted the potential challenges these boys might encounter after leaving school, emphasizing the need for proactive intervention.
Ndaitwah also noted the issues of crime and drug abuse, advocating for better access to statistics to help authorities address these challenges effectively. He urged parents to actively guide and mentor their children, but also encouraged the boys to take personal responsibility and plan for their futures.
Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua acknowledged that the First Gentleman's focus on the boy child aligns with regional efforts to enhance educational infrastructure. He mentioned the construction of Opuwo Project Secondary School at Otjorungondo, where a 20-classroom facility, along with science and computer labs, a library, and other amenities, is being developed. Renovations at Mureti High School, with a budget of N$60 million, are also in progress.
Additionally, improvements are underway at Kunene Resource School and Outjo Project Secondary School, with completed classroom facilities at Musaso and Oukongo Combined Schools. Planned boreholes in Epupa and Opuwo Rural aim to enhance water access at schools.
Ndaitwah expressed that his foundation aims to support youth development through small-scale agriculture, vocational training, and sports, subject to resource availability and partnerships. He is set to continue his engagements in Kamanjab, Khorixas, and Outjo.