ONDANGWA, Namibia ̶ On May 21, UNFPA-Namibia’s Assistant Representative, Loide Amkongo joined Regain Trust for the launch of the non-governmental organisation’s new “Amplified Project.”
UNFPA has worked with the organisation since 2018 on combating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) as well as improving access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH).
The overall goal of the Amplified Project is to strengthen a multi-leveled approach towards addressing GBV and SRH amongst adolescents and young people and build the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs) to play an increasing role regarding these issues.
Since November of 2020, the Amplified Project continues to seek to achieve three key specific objectives including:
- Strengthen the capacity of CSOs to monitor, support, enhance schools to effectively implement Life Skills Health Education (LSHE)
- Increase the presence of youth-led LSHE activities with a focus on addressing harmful gender norms and GBV as key determinants of SRHR outcomes.
- Enable an environment with the involvement and active participation of parents/guardians, community leaders, men, and community members on LSHE and their role in addressing SRH challenges including GBV amongst adolescents and youth (led by CSO’s).
In her remarks, Amkongo expressed appreciation to Regain Trust for their efforts to put adolescents and youth at the centre of important and transformative change. She also thanked the Government of the Republic of Namibia for creating an environment for efforts such as those put forth by UNFPA and Regain Trust to be successful.
Amkongo related the story of one young woman’s goals for her generation in her remarks as well. “Recently a girl told me: ‘I do not want to be seen as the future; I am here, I am the present!’ I believe we need to listen to young people and address their needs and help to realise their needs right now, and not in some distant future,” she said
“Investing in young people is one of the smartest investments a region can make, and this investment is not only about the future dividends. It is about our present as well, as young people are powerful contributors to the strength and development of our societies,” Amkongo continued.
The population of Namibia is youthful, with about 37% of the population aged below 15 years, and only about 5% aged 65 years and above, while 58% of the total population is below 25 years.
With such a young population, Ms. Amkongo reiterated UNFPA-Namibia’s commitment to ensuring that all youth can exercise their rights to make informed choices for a healthy life and successful transition into adulthood.
She concluded her remarks by thanking young people for their involvement and leadership as well as reaffirming UNFPA’s commitment to supporting adolescents, young people, women’s empowerment, gender equality, and human rights.
The Amplified Project is funded by the European Union.
