Civic and voter education is needed to reduce voter apathy among the youth in the upcoming general elections in November.

This is according to the speakers at a civic education workshop in Walvis Bay, who expressed concern over young people lacking interest.

Social Enabled Education Namibia, the American Embassy, and other partners invited young people and political leaders for a civic and voter education session.

The youth were informed that they can shape the future of the country and influence societal matters.

Trevino Forbes, the Mayor of Walvis Bay, stated:
"One of the most powerful tools we have as citizens is our right to vote. Voting is not just a privilege but a responsibility. It is how we as individuals can have our say and direct our country, how we hold our leaders accountable, and how we can shape the future for generations to come."

Other speakers stressed the need for young people to develop their critical thinking skills and let go of the naive belief that politics is exclusive to liberation struggle fighters.

Ndahambelela Haifene, a Youth Leader & Empowerment Advocate, shared his thoughts:
"When you critically think about societal issues, you are not necessarily misled by people because you think critically. If someone sells you an idea and says vote for A, B, C, and D because we will give you this, you understand that economically that is not going to work at all. That's unrealistic. Some of us are not interested in politics as young people, and how do we expect things to change?"

One of the participants, Michael Jimmy, the personal assistant to the governor, shared his story when he voted for the first time in 1989 after being actively involved in the liberation struggle as a teenager:
"So that, for me, was so profound, and I remember it like it was yesterday. I cast my first vote to ensure Namibia's freedom and independence. But today, you face other realities as young people. We had freedom and independence in our minds at that time, and we achieved it, but now you face other challenges such as unemployment, access to education, and opportunities."

The youngest member of the National Council, Deriou Benson, emphasized the need for the youth to take up leadership positions.
"We all have smartphones, we all have access, so there is no excuse. With platforms such as SEE Namibia, it's key for us to attend those workshop sessions, and we are all on social media as well. I have so many people interacting with me on social media [insert link], so I'm open to anyone who wants to interact with me and find out more about how to get involved in local government."

Social Enabled Education Namibia is an organization that provides voter and civic education to the public.