Osona Village launches mental health initiative to support at-risk youth

A grassroots mental health initiative has been launched in Osona Village to address the growing crisis of suicide and substance abuse among Namibian youth, with a particular focus on creating safe spaces for open dialogue.

Founded by community counsellor Sheron Owoses, the Osona Village Safe Group aims to provide a judgement-free platform where individuals of all ages can share their struggles, access professional support, and begin the journey toward healing.

Owoses, who has personally battled depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts, said the group was born from her own experience.

“It’s not easy to walk out of these issues alone. I found that healing begins when we talk to peers who understand, who have walked the same path,” she told Namibian Sun.



Overlooked struggles



The group recently hosted an open dialogue and movie night, where mental health professionals, religious leaders, and community members came together to share testimonies and offer advice, with a strong focus on the often-overlooked struggles of the boy child.

“Boys are taught to be tough, to hide their emotions. But we need to raise boys to be emotionally healthy and self-aware,” said Kephas Hembapu, chairman of the Osona Homeowners Committee and fellow community counsellor.

Plans are underway to expand the initiative with regular counselling sessions, school outreach, and mental health education.

Owoses urged schools and communities to treat mental health with the same urgency as physical health.