Students urged to lead and transform
Amutenya says while government must lead in creating opportunities, young people must take full ownership of the future we want.
The four-day National African Students Association (NASA) second annual congress and capacity-building workshop began in Swakopmund on Monday. During the official opening, student leadership was encouraged to lead from the front and cultivate responsible, active, and solution-oriented young citizens.
Member of Parliament Willem Amutenya stated that students have always been the moral compass of the nation.
“This has shaped Namibia’s political, social, and educational landscape – challenging injustice during the colonial struggle, confronting inequality, and pushing forward the agenda of education transformation and youth socio-economic advancement. Students have always been more than just learners. We have been leaders, visionaries, and warriors for justice. Through NASA, this legacy must continue.”
Amutenya emphasised that while the government envisions broader opportunities for the youth, student leaders must rise to the occasion.
“You must be more than representatives; you must be revolutionaries. You are fighting not just for yourselves, but for the future of a just and equal Namibia. Know that nation-building is not a spectator sport; each of us has a role to play. While the government must lead in creating opportunities, young people must take full ownership of the future we want to create. That is why we are proud to see a new wave of student activism in Namibia – one that is digital, dynamic, and deeply political.”
Call for African-centred education curriculum
He also urged student leaders to advocate for an African-centred education curriculum.
“Our curriculum from Grade 0 to university must reflect African realities.”
He stressed that young leaders are called upon to lead with innovation, courage, and responsibility – challenging the status quo, building principled movements, and promoting unity, service, and active citizenship over division and personality politics.
“This conference should not just end in applause but should be a turning point. I assure you that the Namibian government commits to do more and to do better.”
The congress and workshop include leadership training, policy review, and the election of a new executive team on Tuesday. Key topics include educational development and the concept of free education. A networking session will be held on Wednesday, followed by a press conference and certificate handover on Thursday. Delegates will then return to their regions.
Member of Parliament Willem Amutenya stated that students have always been the moral compass of the nation.
“This has shaped Namibia’s political, social, and educational landscape – challenging injustice during the colonial struggle, confronting inequality, and pushing forward the agenda of education transformation and youth socio-economic advancement. Students have always been more than just learners. We have been leaders, visionaries, and warriors for justice. Through NASA, this legacy must continue.”
Amutenya emphasised that while the government envisions broader opportunities for the youth, student leaders must rise to the occasion.
“You must be more than representatives; you must be revolutionaries. You are fighting not just for yourselves, but for the future of a just and equal Namibia. Know that nation-building is not a spectator sport; each of us has a role to play. While the government must lead in creating opportunities, young people must take full ownership of the future we want to create. That is why we are proud to see a new wave of student activism in Namibia – one that is digital, dynamic, and deeply political.”
Call for African-centred education curriculum
He also urged student leaders to advocate for an African-centred education curriculum.
“Our curriculum from Grade 0 to university must reflect African realities.”
He stressed that young leaders are called upon to lead with innovation, courage, and responsibility – challenging the status quo, building principled movements, and promoting unity, service, and active citizenship over division and personality politics.
“This conference should not just end in applause but should be a turning point. I assure you that the Namibian government commits to do more and to do better.”
The congress and workshop include leadership training, policy review, and the election of a new executive team on Tuesday. Key topics include educational development and the concept of free education. A networking session will be held on Wednesday, followed by a press conference and certificate handover on Thursday. Delegates will then return to their regions.
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Namibian Sun
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