Ohangwena: Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa has highlighted the urgent need to prioritize the fight against gender-based violence, suicides, and murder within the region. Her remarks come in the wake of the tragic suicides of three teachers: Titus Nuuyi from Enyana Combined School, Nestory Namhindo of Eenhana Secondary School, and Lukas Kalwenya from Ohehonge Combined School.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Hamutumwa expressed profound concern over the increasing suicides among young and productive community members. She attributed these losses to the overwhelming pressures of social life, unmet expectations, and emotional distress. Hamutumwa emphasized the necessity of examining the region's support systems to better understand and address these issues.

"It is clear that something is not working in our schools, homes, and communities when young people feel isolated, unheard, and unable to cope with the demands of social and academic life," she stated. Hamutumwa pointed out that the current educational, community outreach, and mental health systems are inadequately resourced and unresponsive. She highlighted that teachers are often overburdened, and parents are frequently unaware of their children's silent struggles.

Hamuwtumwa also addressed the limited access to professional mental health services and the stigma surrounding help-seeking, which continues to prevent those in need from reaching out. She called for a collective effort to break this silence, urging youth, parents, educators, and community leaders to unite.

"If you are struggling, if the burden becomes too much, please seek help," she added, advising individuals to confide in a trusted person, parent, health worker, community leader, or to utilise available helplines. Hamutumwa stressed the importance of unity in tackling this crisis and called for inspiration from the "Jesse learn" initiative to fortify societal support systems, especially for the youth.

"No child should ever feel that the only way out is to end their life," she affirmed. Hamutumwa emphasized that addressing this alarming trend requires a multi-sectoral approach involving the government, civil society, communities, and the church to find sustainable solutions to these critical issues.