Groundbreaking youth campus to be launched

Non-judgemental space for young Namibians
#BeFree empowers youth through a youth campus that opens on 1 September.
STAFF REPORTER
    - 2023-08-24 00:00:00
Under the Office of the First lady, the #BeFree youth campus promises to address issues faced by the youth through various forms of support, including education on sexual reproductive health.
On 1 September, the campus will be launched and handed over to the sports, youth and national services ministry for operation.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed with this ministry, and another agreement has been reached with the health and social services ministry.

Guidance and support
The campus aims to serve young people aged 13 to 30 years, providing psychosocial support and guidance on the legal and criminal justice systems regarding gender-based violence, as stated in a press release circulated by the organisation.
The campus will address and include academic support, entrepreneurial programming, and 4IR skills development. Additionally, the campus will feature a STEM lab and an area for adolescent entertainment. The primary objective of the campus is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for youth to facilitate their development and education in sexual and reproductive health.
According to Lelly Karen Amunyela, the youth project officer under the i-BreakFree Project, the campus plays a vital role in providing access to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and information services.
"Sexual reproductive health and rights services and information have become critical concerns in today's world," she said.

Bridging gaps
Rivaldo Kavanga, an ambassador of the #BeFree youth campus, said over 10 000 pupils have failed to make it past the entry points for university access.
"The Namibian education sector faces substantial challenges, characterised by high failure and dropout rates," he said.
According to Kavanga, the campus seeks to bridge the gaps in formal education by supporting the developmental needs of young people. "The #BeFree campus seeks to change the taboo narrative surrounding certain topics in school, by providing a welcoming and non-judgemental environment."