Junior Council – a test-bed for future leaders

YOUNG people in the City of Windhoek are accorded a platform through the Junior Council to make a positive contribution to the development of Namibia. “Consequently, progress has been made in the interaction between the different Junior Councils as well as in the development of the youth,” said the Deputy Mayor of Windhoek, Councilor Gerson Kamatuka, at the inauguration of the new City of Windhoek Junior Council.

He said the outgoing Junior Mayor of 2010, Councilor Charlton Taniseb, and his Councilors successfully implemented a number of projects during his term, amongst others, raising awareness amongst school learners with regard to tourism and hospitality as well as breast cancer, raising awareness about the elderly citizens and also contributing to lessen the plight of orphans and vulnerable children. “It is without doubt their efforts made a positive impact on the social livelihood of those involved.”

He pointed out, that the Junior Council is a deliberate creation of a youth forum by the City of Windhoek with the aim of training the youth in civic responsibilities as well as developing their leadership skills.

“Through the Junior Council and other youth development programmes, we contribute to shaping the future of Namibia”, he said. Meanwhile, the incoming Mayor of the Junior Council, Councilor Charles Fourie, said the Junior Council for 2010/11 has resolved to implement as a core project a motivational moral day with the youth. The focus will be on the upliftment of the moral values of young people.

Amongst the standing projects they aim to continue with is the cancer project and will be guided by the Cancer Association of Namibia in identifying areas in need of assistance in the fight against cancer, especially with regard to children. The new Junior Council will continue with the project of supporting senior citizens. Councilor Fourie said the partnership on the tourism awareness project of 2009 and 2010 has grown from strength to strength and will continue in 2011 with learners from six more schools undergoing this programme.

The Tourism Division of the City, the Hospitality Association of Namibia, the Namibia Tourism Board, the Tourism and Safari Association and First National Bank are the partners in this project. He said the Junior Council has established itself as a valuable partner in the commemoration of International and National Days and that they are committed to continue their role towards these commemorations.

He quoted the words of Walt Disney to the Deputy Junior Mayor, Councilor Simone Grobler, the Treasurer, Councilor Norman Williams and the Secretary, Councilor Dandago !Gaoses; “if you dream it, you can do it. We can dream it and we will do it”!

click to enlarge JUNIOR COUNCIL (Extreme right) The Mayor of the Junior Council 2010/2011, Councilor Charles Fourie, and Deputy Junior Mayor, Councilor Simone Grobler with the members of the new City of Windhoek Junior Council.