Oniipa learners turn holidays into hustle for survival

While many youth take advantage of the August school holiday to relax or travel, those living in the villages surrounding Oniipa in the Oshikoto region venture to the water-filled oshanas, not for leisure but for survival.

In an interview with Ewi IyaNooli, a group of learners, who asked not to be named, explained that they spend their holidays in the floodplains, striving to put food on the table and prepare for the upcoming school term.

“We usually catch fish – not just for enjoyment, but to support our parents in selling them and to purchase school supplies for the next term or fulfil our basic needs,” a learner said.

For them, the holidays don't mean a respite from work – idleness is not an option. “Spending the holiday lounging around while lacking school supplies, food at home, and other essentials reflects a poor mindset. Parents can’t fulfil all your needs,” another learner said.

The group said they are grateful for the rainwater that fills the oshanas each year. “This is the blessing of rainwater, which brings us fish. We will always be thankful. There is not a single day we leave here empty-handed. We consistently catch at least ten fish, and some manage to catch 20 or more,” a learner said.

One challenge they face, however, is the disparity in fishing techniques. At the oshanas, they encounter individuals using nets that capture large quantities of fish, while others rely on manual methods, like baskets.

“If everyone used the same techniques, there would be fewer issues. However, even then, we always manage to catch something,” the youth said.

A family effort

For parents like Hileni Angula, catfish is the preferred catch. She explained that most buyers favour dried fish. Once the children bring home their catch of the day, the fish is dried before it is taken to the market to be sold.

“We typically sell six fish for N$20, and many buy them. This motivates us to return to fishing and sell more,” Angula stated.

“You cannot afford to sit at home when you know you must survive and there are various needs to meet for your children and yourself. As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure our children are fed and there is food in the house,” she added.

Angula praised the youth who join them at the ponds. “I commend the school-going children who make the effort to come to the pond and fish with us,” she said.

With a high demand for catfish, finding customers is not hard. “We will continue to fish, sell and support our families,” she said.