Guiding Namibia’s youth with empathy and purpose
‘Youth work demands energy and consistency’
Asmara Kaffer, a youth officer working closely with both in- and out-of-school youth as a mentor and guide, believes in helping every young person discover their potential and pave the way for an empowered next generation.
With a passion for people and a deep belief in the transformative power of youth work, a youth officer currently seconded to the One Economy Foundation is proving that the hard work of national development often begins with listening to and guiding young people, especially those society tends to forget.
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural management and currently serving under the education and youth ministry through the directorate of youth, Asmara Kaffer is living proof that diverse academic backgrounds can shape dynamic youth development strategies.
“Having studied agricultural management, I bring a unique perspective to the work I do. Young people often overlook agriculture, but it plays a critical role in feeding us and boosting our country’s GDP. Agriculture teaches patience, resilience and purpose, values we try to instil in youth every day,” she explained.
Recently seconded to the One Economy Foundation, an organisation serving both in- and out-of-school youth aged 13 to 35, Kaffer is experiencing a new level of engagement and intensity.
“The work at One Economy is more demanding. The energy is higher, the activities are more frequent, and the pace is faster. But the impact is just as powerful,” Kaffer said.
Stay for the long haul
Despite the vibrancy, youth work comes with challenges, especially when working with out-of-school youth.
“One of the biggest issues is the lack of resilience. Many young people struggle to stay in programmes because they don’t see immediate change, and that discourages them,” she said. “But I take time for one-on-one talks and try to motivate them to stick it out.”
Her approach to youth work is rooted in informal education, filling the gaps left by formal systems and re-engaging young people who may have lost their way.
“We’re there to support, guide and mentor. Not every young person will complete school, but that doesn’t mean their potential ends there.” Kaffer said
While others may hesitate to take on new roles or challenges, this youth officer thrives on opportunity. “I hardly say ‘no’. I’ve learned that in youth work, you need to be a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. Say yes, be receptive to help and feedback, but also know your boundaries and when to say no.”
Looking ahead, she wouldn’t change a thing, except to become even more vigorous in her work. “If anything, I’d push harder. Youth work demands energy and consistency. Having a calm, youthful spirit helps, young people need to feel like you understand them, like you’re in their corner," she said.
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural management and currently serving under the education and youth ministry through the directorate of youth, Asmara Kaffer is living proof that diverse academic backgrounds can shape dynamic youth development strategies.
“Having studied agricultural management, I bring a unique perspective to the work I do. Young people often overlook agriculture, but it plays a critical role in feeding us and boosting our country’s GDP. Agriculture teaches patience, resilience and purpose, values we try to instil in youth every day,” she explained.
Recently seconded to the One Economy Foundation, an organisation serving both in- and out-of-school youth aged 13 to 35, Kaffer is experiencing a new level of engagement and intensity.
“The work at One Economy is more demanding. The energy is higher, the activities are more frequent, and the pace is faster. But the impact is just as powerful,” Kaffer said.
Stay for the long haul
Despite the vibrancy, youth work comes with challenges, especially when working with out-of-school youth.
“One of the biggest issues is the lack of resilience. Many young people struggle to stay in programmes because they don’t see immediate change, and that discourages them,” she said. “But I take time for one-on-one talks and try to motivate them to stick it out.”
Her approach to youth work is rooted in informal education, filling the gaps left by formal systems and re-engaging young people who may have lost their way.
“We’re there to support, guide and mentor. Not every young person will complete school, but that doesn’t mean their potential ends there.” Kaffer said
While others may hesitate to take on new roles or challenges, this youth officer thrives on opportunity. “I hardly say ‘no’. I’ve learned that in youth work, you need to be a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. Say yes, be receptive to help and feedback, but also know your boundaries and when to say no.”
Looking ahead, she wouldn’t change a thing, except to become even more vigorous in her work. “If anything, I’d push harder. Youth work demands energy and consistency. Having a calm, youthful spirit helps, young people need to feel like you understand them, like you’re in their corner," she said.
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Namibian Sun
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