WINDHOEK – The sixth session of the Children’s Parliament in Namibia, now underway, includes significant representation from indigenous communities, with six members actively participating.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Royal |Ui|o|oo, who spoke on Thursday, there is a shift towards enhancing the role of these communities in national dialogues. |Ui|o|oo highlighted the transition from referring to these groups as “marginalised” to recognizing them as “indigenous.” He emphasized the importance of strengthening indigenous voices to bolster the nation’s economy and encouraged young delegates to be assertive and proactive in driving change.

In response to concerns raised by Children’s Parliament members about the exclusion of children from marginalised communities from certain national programs, |Ui|o|oo outlined existing government initiatives like the feeding and drought relief programs specifically benefiting the San community. He also addressed the cultural challenges affecting these children, noting ongoing wellness campaigns aimed at supporting their needs and integrating them more fully into national life.

|Ui|o|oo also mentioned his commitment to ensuring that indigenous communities benefit from the upcoming 2024/25 budget, with a particular focus on education. He noted the increase in teachers from these communities as a sign of progress.

The session, which started on Wednesday, saw members of the Children’s Parliament primarily focusing on motions related to ensuring quality education for every Namibian child. Deputy Speaker Michael Ajiboso acknowledged the Deputy Minister’s efforts but pointed out that more needs to be done to enhance the decision-making involvement of indigenous groups.

The Children’s Parliament, established over 17 years ago, continues to serve as a critical platform for youth engagement in Namibia’s democratic processes, offering young people a voice in legislative discussions and an opportunity to address issues directly affecting them.