The 3rd Junior National Council session commenced today.
Officially opening the session, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the young MPs to engage passionately in their discussions, emphasising that their contributions would shape the future of the country.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah commended the young MPs for selecting a theme that resonates with the African Union's aspirations for a prosperous and integrated Africa.
She stressed that the goal is not only to increase access to education but also to enhance its quality, preparing students for future challenges and opportunities in emerging industries.
Commitment to providing quality education, she says, is seen in the national budget allocation, where the sector receives the biggest chunk.
"Our challenge, therefore, is to ensure that our education system is not only responsive to the current needs of our society but also anticipates future demands. With the recent development of new industries like green hydrogen and oil, we are more than ever compelled to equip the Namibian child with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world."
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the need for a comprehensive education system that integrates digital literacy and technology, ensuring that learners regardless of their gender or sex have access to equitable education.
"We will continue to remove barriers to quality and inclusive education, including those affecting children with disabilities and those in remote or marginalised communities."
The 42 young parliamentarians are drawn from the country's 14 regions.
"As part of our strategic plan on public participation, we create opportunities and platforms for young leaders to assemble and engage on matters affecting the youth," says Chairperson of the National Council, Lukas Muha.
Also speaking at the opening was China's Ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, who highlighted the partnership between Namibia and China in supporting youth development.
The Chinese Embassy has sponsored the Junior National Council since last year and has committed to advancing youth-related programmes.
China also reaffirmed its efforts towards Africa at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing.
"At the summit, President Xi announced ten partnership actions that China will undertake with Africa over the next three years. These actions encompass mutual learning among civilisations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture, and livelihoods, people-to-people exchanges, green development, and common security."
This year's session is being held under the theme: "Educating a Namibian Child Fit for Agenda 2063 and Beyond."