The Namibian Exile Kids Association (NEKA) has acknowledged and honoured teachers and caretakers who took care of children under difficult times during the liberation struggle.
Speaking at NEKA's reunion in the capital, its president Kadiva Hamutumwa stated that education and training played a crucial role during the liberation struggle to serve the country post-independence for a better Namibia.
Known as the "children of the liberation struggle," Hamutumwa advocates for a change in terminology, emphasising that they are foundational pillars of the nation and actively contributing to the country's various economic sectors.
"As children of the liberation struggle, we are contributing immensely to this country. We have doctors, lawyers, taxi drivers, entrepreneurs, nurses, and teachers. So you have actually built a nation. And you should be proud of the fact that you have those of us sitting in your midst that you can say I have actually nurtured and ploughed into this child's life."
One of the well-known teachers in exile is Nahas Angula.
He was the Swapo Party Secretary for Education and Culture and the Minister of Education post-independence.
Angula stressed the critical role education played in exile, including opportunities to send young people to study in other countries.
Such individuals assisted in the transformation of the country and nation-building.
"Through bilateral scholarships offered to Swapo by various governments, many Namibians in exile acquired qualifications that enabled independent Namibia to establish itself as a stable, progressive, and solid democracy. The Swapo leadership should be commended for its foresight in making education and training one of its priorities during the protracted struggle for our national independence."
NEKA intends to produce a documentary that explores the education system and upbringing of the children of the liberation struggle.
The aim is to gather insights into how those who dedicated themselves to teaching and nurturing them, navigated the challenges they faced without professional assistance.