Vice President Lucia Witbooi has warned that the increasing number of boys disengaging from education is becoming a concern.

Speaking at the SADC regional World Children's Day commemoration in Gaborone, Botswana, Witbooi said boys are falling behind their female counterparts at an alarming rate – a trend she fears could have long-term consequences for families and communities, especially since boys are traditionally expected to become breadwinners.

Witbooi underscored that the Namibian government is actively taking action. With support from UNICEF, Namibia has intensified targeted interventions, including the Back-to-School Initiative led by the Ministry of Education. 

She noted that the upcoming Boys Back to School Campaign, championed by the First Gentleman and civil society, will be launched early next year to re-engage boys in the education system.

The Vice President added that the government is working on policies to strengthen school-community collaboration and dismantle harmful gender stereotypes, ensuring boys learn in environments that encourage equal opportunities.

The event, held with the theme "My Day, My Rights: From Promises to Action", brought together more than 200 children from eight SADC countries. 

It was attended by Botswana's President, Duma Boko; Zimbabwe's Vice President, Constantine Chiwenga; Lesotho's Prime Minister, Samuel Matekane; and lawmakers from Zambia, South Africa, and Mozambique.

The regional World Children's Day celebration in 2026 will take place in Maseru, Lesotho.