Windhoek: Martha McNab, the wife of Hardap Governor Riaan McNab, has launched a youth initiative to teach young people valuable life skills outside the classroom. McNab on Monday awarded medals and certificates to eight boys who completed an eight-kilometre hike near Mariental on 11 September, during the midterm break.

According to Namibia Press Agency, McNab expressed her desire to provide the boys with an experience that extends beyond traditional classroom learning, emphasizing resilience, discipline, and teamwork. During an interview at the awards ceremony held at the Danie Joubert Combined School in Mariental, she remarked, “A hike is the perfect example of how life’s challenges can be overcome one step at a time. It was about building character, not just fitness.”

The boys, aged 10 to 13, were selected for their curiosity and willingness to step out of their comfort zones. McNab highlighted that the participants learned significant lessons on overcoming challenges incrementally, teamwork, and perseverance. This initiative marks McNab’s first focused effort on youth, and she plans to continue it as a regular event every term, noting the enjoyment and growth observed among the boys.

McNab also aspires to expand the program to include both boys and girls from various schools, enhancing its reach and impact. She expressed gratitude towards Danie Joubert Combined School and its principal, Deon Cloete, for their support, stating, “Mr Cloete and the school were incredibly supportive. His leadership created the space for something like this to happen.”

Additionally, McNab runs a non-governmental organization called Step Up Ark, which focuses on assisting women and survivors of gender-based violence in achieving financial independence through entrepreneurship. The hiking initiative will now be incorporated into the regular programming of Step Up Ark.