Mariental: Community facilitators from Lifeline/ChildLine conducted a comprehensive five-session course on positive parenting for young parents in the Mariental community, culminating in a graduation ceremony where participants received certificates. The program took place at the Lutheran church in Aimablaagte and aimed to address pressing issues such as alcohol misuse and gender-based violence among young parents.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Lina Martin, a 34-year-old senior community facilitator from Lifeline/ChildLine in the Hardap Region, emphasized the necessity of equipping parents with skills to interrupt the cycle of violence against children and to promote positive discipline. Martin, who hails from Kalkrand, expressed her motivation to empower communities and educate young parents on managing anger and disciplining children without harm. She noted this initiative as the first group session focused on positive training in the community.
Participants such as Johannes Mushendo, a 38-year-old f
ather of five, shared their motivations for joining the program. Mushendo expressed a desire to learn how to play a more significant role in his children’s lives. Similarly, Stella Monde, a 34-year-old mother of three, highlighted how the course taught her effective communication and discipline techniques rooted in love rather than frustration.
Martin also mentioned that Lifeline/ChildLine has a network of community facilitators across various regions, including Khomas, ||Kharas, and Hardap, with plans to continue community programs in Mariental. The organization is currently recruiting 15 to 25 young parents for the next session, scheduled to begin on Monday at the same venue.
