Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Namibia

16/06/2026

No Child’s Future Should Be Determined by the Absence of Basic Needs. "If we are serious about building a prosperous, inclusive and just Namibia, then we must be serious about guaranteeing every child access to safe water, adequate sanitation and good hygiene," Hon. Linda Mbwale, Deputy Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare.

Speaking at the national commemoration of the Day of the African Child, Hon. Mbwale emphasized that "water, sanitation and hygiene are not merely services, but are fundamental to life, health, learning, safety, and human dignity." She underscored that access to WASH services is central to ensuring children’s survival, development, and ability to thrive in dignity.

The Deputy Minister further called for accelerated investment in child-sensitive water and sanitation infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities, and highlighted the need for safe, accessible and gender-responsive sanitation facilities in schools and early childhood development centres. She stressed that closing these gaps is essential to protecting children’s rights and advancing equality.

As Namibia joins the continent in commemorating this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a nation where every child is healthy, protected, educated and empowered to reach their full potential. "We see you, we hear you, and we stand with you," Hon. Mbwale. The day concluded with a tree planting session, symbolizing hope, growth, and a shared commitment to nurturing a greener and more sustainable future for children and generations to come.

16/06/2026

THE YOUTH HAVE THE FLOOR - "When we talk about policy, we are talking about human dignity. Every discussion must focus on the Namibian child whose daily life depends on clean water and safe sanitation."

In one of the most compelling segments of the Day of the African Child national commemoration in Rehoboth, a dynamic panel discussion saw children take full control of the podium. Moving beyond formalities, the young panelists rigorously interrogated this year’s continental theme: “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.”

The discussion focused heavily on the lived realities of the Namibian child. While celebrating the positive steps taken across the country, the youth panel brought valuable perspective to the remaining regional and rural gaps.

They openly shared the everyday challenges confronting communities and schools that still operate without adequate sanitation facilities. From the podium, the children eloquently articulated how these essential services directly safeguard daily school attendance, protect the safety and dignity of young girls, and build resilience against climate change and prolonged droughts.

By grounding the conversation in real-life impact, the panel provided an invaluable roadmap demonstrating that child protection and child welfare go hand-in-hand with foundational access.

16/06/2026

THE YOUTH HAVE THE FLOOR - "When we talk about policy, we are talking about human dignity. Every discussion must focus on the Namibian child whose daily life depends on clean water and safe sanitation."

In one of the most compelling segments of the Day of the African Child national commemoration in Rehoboth, a dynamic panel discussion saw children take full control of the podium. Moving beyond formalities, the young panelists rigorously interrogated this year’s continental theme: “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.”

The discussion focused heavily on the lived realities of the Namibian child. While celebrating the positive steps taken across the country, the youth panel brought valuable perspective to the remaining regional and rural gaps.

They openly shared the everyday challenges confronting communities and schools that still operate without adequate sanitation facilities. From the podium, the children eloquently articulated how these essential services directly safeguard daily school attendance, protect the safety and dignity of young girls, and build resilience against climate change and prolonged droughts.

By grounding the conversation in real-life impact, the panel provided an invaluable roadmap demonstrating that child protection and child welfare go hand-in-hand with foundational access.

16/06/2026

In a stirring address to the youth at the Day of the African Child national commemoration, Hon. Dino Ballotti, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture shared five powerful principles for leadership, resilience, and nation-building:

1. Be the change you wish to see. Evoking Mahatma Gandhi, he challenged the youth to stop waiting for change and start embodying it in their own communities.

2. Do something for nothing. True leadership is rooted in unconditional service and civic duty, contributing to the greater good without expecting an immediate reward.

3. Never give up. Referencing the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela, he reminded the assembly that perseverance is the ultimate answer to systemic and personal trials.

4. Choose greatness. Mediocrity is a choice, but so is excellence. He urged the next generation to deliberately align their ambitions with the highest standards.

5. We only fail when we stop trying. Closing with lessons from his own father, he reframed failure as a temporary state that only becomes permanent when you quit. Unicef NamibiaMinistry of Education Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture

16/06/2026

REHOBOTH, Namibia - "The future is not waiting for you somewhere ahead. The future is already sitting in this gathering. And it begins with the choices you make every day."

Those words, delivered by UNICEF Country Representative Mr. Samuel Ocran, resonated today across the grounds of Origo Primary School in Rehoboth, Hardap Region, where Namibia officially commemorated the National Day of the African Child.

Addressing an audience of national leaders, youth advocates, and hundreds of students, Mr. Ocran issued a compelling call to self-determination, urging the youth to rise above immediate systemic and personal challenges.

"Do not allow your circumstances to define your future," Mr. Ocran stated. "Believe in your abilities. Believe in your dreams. Every one of you has potential."

The national event underscored a collective commitment among state leaders and international development partners to strengthen child welfare, education, and foundational rights. Emphasizing the long-term societal returns of these initiatives, Mr. Ocran noted that the path forward requires sustained dedication.

“When we invest in children, we invest in hope," he concluded. "When we invest in children, we invest in Namibia’s future."

Unicef NamibiaMinistry of Education Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture

16/06/2026

Namibia is proudly commemorating the National Event for the Day of the African Child in Rehoboth, Hardap Region. This year’s momentous event is hosted at Origo Primary School, serving as an important platform to advocate for children’s rights and celebrate the future of our youth under the official continental theme: 'Ensuring universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene for every child in Africa.'

13/06/2026

🌟 Advancing Early Childhood Education for Every Namibian Child 🌟

On 13 June 2026, Hon. Linda Mbwale, took her nationwide Early Childhood Development (ECD) mobilisation drive to Omukukutu waMbekele in the Oshikunde Constituency (Ohangwena Region).

The initiative focuses on bringing quality kindergartens to rural, underserved and remote areas. Meeting with members of the San community, Hon. Mbwale highlighted that early education is a collective duty.

“Investing in our children today secures the future of our nation tomorrow. It takes a village to raise and educate a child,” she said.

She urged local residents, traditional leaders, and development partners to collaborate in building sustainable ECD centres for present and future generations.

10/06/2026

Hon. Wayne Sissing, Councillor for the Khomasdal Constituency and member of the Management Committee of the Khomas Regional Council, recently visited the pension grant verification offices in Khomasdal to observe the verification process and engage with officials on measures being implemented to ensure the accurate, transparent, and efficient administration of pension grants.

The visit provided an opportunity to assess service delivery and gain firsthand insight into the verification procedures aimed at safeguarding social protection benefits for eligible senior citizens. Hon. Sissing also interacted with pensioners and staff members, reaffirming the importance of accessible and accountable social welfare services.

His presence was warmly received by both the elderly beneficiaries and staff, who found it encouraging to see a political leader demonstrating commitment and political will towards strengthening service delivery and supporting programmes that directly impact the well-being of senior citizens.

04/06/2026

03/06/2026

⚠️ SCAM ALERT: BEWARE OF FAKE GOVERNMENT JOB OFFERS

The Ministry has been made aware of messages circulating on SMS platforms claiming to offer Government jobs in exchange for money.

Members of the public are reminded that:

❌ Government jobs are never sold.
❌ No payment is required to secure employment in the Public Service.
❌ No legitimate recruitment process guarantees employment without interviews and due process.

If anyone requests money in exchange for a Government job, treat it as a scam and report it to the relevant authorities.

Please remain vigilant and share this warning to prevent others from falling victim to fraud.