Poor turnout mars Suicide Prevention Day in Rundu
Empathy, safe spaces critical tools to help people navigate difficulties
World Suicide Prevention Day was marked in Rundu last Friday, but the event drew fewer than 30 people – a turnout that senior social worker Agnes Rengi described as disappointing, given the scale of mental health challenges in the region.
She revealed that in the 2024/25 financial year alone, Rundu recorded 4 494 men diagnosed with various mental illnesses, underscoring the urgency of stronger community engagement.
Rengi said many young men in the Kavango communities carry unresolved trauma linked to absent father figures, early exposure to violence and poor decision-making. She stressed that these challenges often manifest in substance abuse, reckless choices and, at times, suicidal thoughts.
“Young men are often told to ‘man up’ instead of being given the space to speak about their feelings,” she said.
According to her, kindness and safe spaces are critical in helping young people navigate these pressures. She urged communities to create supportive environments where boys and young men can talk openly without fear of judgement.
Rengi also warned against the dangers of silence. “Men bottle things up until it’s too late,” she said, adding that peer groups should be encouraged to check on one another and build a culture of empathy.
Persevere
Meanwhile, motivational speaker Vernet Mukoya focused a message on resilience and endurance. He told the youth that while adversity is unavoidable, the way they respond to it will define their future.
“Hardship is not a sign that you should give up – it’s a test of how much you can endure,” he said.
Mukoya encouraged students to develop coping mechanisms rooted in self-belief, discipline and trust in peers. He shared a personal story of using his donkey as a metaphor for persistence, describing how the animal kept moving forward despite being overburdened. “Life will pile dirt on you, but you must shake it off and keep going,” he explained.
Both speakers underscored the importance of peer support networks and urged young people not to isolate themselves when facing challenges.
“If you don’t open up, your friends won’t know how to be there for you,” Mukoya stressed.
The event came as Namibia continues to battle rising reports of youth suicide, particularly in rural communities. Organisers said the commemoration was not only about awareness but also about equipping young people with the tools to survive difficult moments.
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She revealed that in the 2024/25 financial year alone, Rundu recorded 4 494 men diagnosed with various mental illnesses, underscoring the urgency of stronger community engagement.
Rengi said many young men in the Kavango communities carry unresolved trauma linked to absent father figures, early exposure to violence and poor decision-making. She stressed that these challenges often manifest in substance abuse, reckless choices and, at times, suicidal thoughts.
“Young men are often told to ‘man up’ instead of being given the space to speak about their feelings,” she said.
According to her, kindness and safe spaces are critical in helping young people navigate these pressures. She urged communities to create supportive environments where boys and young men can talk openly without fear of judgement.
Rengi also warned against the dangers of silence. “Men bottle things up until it’s too late,” she said, adding that peer groups should be encouraged to check on one another and build a culture of empathy.
Persevere
Meanwhile, motivational speaker Vernet Mukoya focused a message on resilience and endurance. He told the youth that while adversity is unavoidable, the way they respond to it will define their future.
“Hardship is not a sign that you should give up – it’s a test of how much you can endure,” he said.
Mukoya encouraged students to develop coping mechanisms rooted in self-belief, discipline and trust in peers. He shared a personal story of using his donkey as a metaphor for persistence, describing how the animal kept moving forward despite being overburdened. “Life will pile dirt on you, but you must shake it off and keep going,” he explained.
Both speakers underscored the importance of peer support networks and urged young people not to isolate themselves when facing challenges.
“If you don’t open up, your friends won’t know how to be there for you,” Mukoya stressed.
The event came as Namibia continues to battle rising reports of youth suicide, particularly in rural communities. Organisers said the commemoration was not only about awareness but also about equipping young people with the tools to survive difficult moments.
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