Junior council pushes social change
Justicia Shipena
Under the theme 'Empowering youth in the community through dances and songs', the City of Windhoek Junior Council visited the Family of Hope Services in the Havana informal settlement last week.
The junior council was established in 1999 with the aim of targeting young people in grades 10 and 11 in Windhoek. The council consists of 75 members from various schools.
Speaking at the 12 September event, linked the council's HIV/Aids project, junior mayor
Rochelle Beukes said the theme is aimed at inspiring and motivating young people to believe they are capable of achieving anything they set their mind to.
“In this HIV era, young people carry a responsibility. You are our future and what you do today will determine the kind of world you will live in tomorrow,” she said.
Beukes added youth need to continue to educate themselves, their friends and loved ones on HIV.
“We have every tool to stop the spread of HIV/Aids, but the solution to this epidemic is in our schools and communities.
“The key to ending HIV/Aids is mobilising and empowering the next generation to push for social change,” she said.
Mind-set
“If we are going to end HIV/Aids, we have to cure the disease within our own hearts and minds first. I believe we, the young people, are the ones who can do this. We have always been the drivers of social change and we will achieve social injustice.”
Deputy junior mayor Johannes Kapitango said it was great being with the Family of Hope Services children, while also educating them about HIV/Aids.
He urged young people to be vigilant of the choices they make.
“We need to create awareness and continue to educate our fellow youth in a fun way, hence our theme is of empowering through songs and dance, which makes it easier for kids to remember,” he said.
Ilena Geve, a grade 3 learner at Family of Hope Services, said she learned a lot from the junior councillors and will put the knowledge gained to good use, including to educate her peers.
Under the theme 'Empowering youth in the community through dances and songs', the City of Windhoek Junior Council visited the Family of Hope Services in the Havana informal settlement last week.
The junior council was established in 1999 with the aim of targeting young people in grades 10 and 11 in Windhoek. The council consists of 75 members from various schools.
Speaking at the 12 September event, linked the council's HIV/Aids project, junior mayor
Rochelle Beukes said the theme is aimed at inspiring and motivating young people to believe they are capable of achieving anything they set their mind to.
“In this HIV era, young people carry a responsibility. You are our future and what you do today will determine the kind of world you will live in tomorrow,” she said.
Beukes added youth need to continue to educate themselves, their friends and loved ones on HIV.
“We have every tool to stop the spread of HIV/Aids, but the solution to this epidemic is in our schools and communities.
“The key to ending HIV/Aids is mobilising and empowering the next generation to push for social change,” she said.
Mind-set
“If we are going to end HIV/Aids, we have to cure the disease within our own hearts and minds first. I believe we, the young people, are the ones who can do this. We have always been the drivers of social change and we will achieve social injustice.”
Deputy junior mayor Johannes Kapitango said it was great being with the Family of Hope Services children, while also educating them about HIV/Aids.
He urged young people to be vigilant of the choices they make.
“We need to create awareness and continue to educate our fellow youth in a fun way, hence our theme is of empowering through songs and dance, which makes it easier for kids to remember,” he said.
Ilena Geve, a grade 3 learner at Family of Hope Services, said she learned a lot from the junior councillors and will put the knowledge gained to good use, including to educate her peers.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article