The life of a girl child in rural areas comes with a long list of chores, which she is expected to manage on a daily basis.

But the beauty of it is that those who live with their grandparents have the opportunity to learn about cultural norms, values, and traditions that guide them through life.

Carrying out various household chores teaches children much-needed life skills and their responsibility towards themselves, their families, and the community.

The skills serve as lifelong aids throughout their adult lives and are passed on to the next generation.

Gloria Silusava once lived in Windhoek, but she had to relocate to Akuniihole Village in the Oshana Region following the death of her father.

She now lives with her grandmother, Helvi Ngwedha, 71, and her great-grandmother, Penina Martin, 95.

Gloria sees them as her hubs of information, from which she learns anything about Oshiwambo culture.

An old adage that says "it takes a village to raise a child" is true for this family, and Gloria says she has learned a lot since she relocated to the north.

She says rural areas have been a safe haven for decades; however, with high cases of rape and other forms of physical and emotional abuse, one has to always be vigilant.

While appealing to the perpetrators, Gloria is also urging other children to report such incidents to the relevant authorities.

As Namibia joins in on the commemoration of the Day of the African Child, Silusava and other girls like her have hope for a better future that enables them to prosper and achieve their dreams.

Leaders are also urged to protect the rights of African children.