Giving purpose and hope to the youth

DR. ANDREAS OBHOLZER WRITES:

At present, Namibia has a huge unemployment problem. For its school leaving youth, it is estimated at sixty percent.

The recent advertisement by the NDF for officer cadets and other ranks, is welcome and offers a ray of hope for 18 – 25 year-olds looking for an opportunity to beneficiate their future with public service.

The requirements of education, general knowledge, English, an HIV test, Covid-19 vaccination, fitness and no obesity, are clearly set down.

The NDF is a defensive force, which must be ready at all times to keep law and order externally and in SADC. At present, we with a pragmatic foreign policy, have no threats of enemies, but we must be prepared. The only trouble spot is the Isis insurrection in northern Mozambique.

We can use our high-quality recruits to multitask, to make a socio-economic contribution at local level in peace time.

Think “peace corps” concept like that of the USA, initiated by President JF Kennedy in the sixties. Think not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.

Contributions can be made to health, hygiene, water, sanitation, food security – through gardens and chicken farming, education – assisting with homework and sport etc.

This fits into the concept of interdependent development, in the spirit of Ubuntu and Harambee.

Become the difference that makes a difference.