Namibia has made significant progress in protecting and promoting the rights of children.

The Governor of ||Kharas, Dawid Gertze, said this during the Day of the Namibian Child commemoration held in Oranjemund.

Namibia observes the Day of the Namibian Child annually on 28 September to celebrate children and promote their rights and well-being.

The latest 2023 National Census shows that 42.7% of the country are children aged between zero and 17.

Against this backdrop, Governor Gertze said the country has made child well-being a national priority.

“We have made important investments in social protection and essential services. This includes grants and other social safety nets that assist families facing poverty and hardship. We have also expanded access to education, including the provision of free primary, secondary, and tertiary education. These interventions are critical because education is not only a fundamental right, but it is also one of the strongest tools for breaking cycles of poverty, exclusion, and vulnerability.”

Moreover, the governor called for an end to child abuse, emphasising the need to break the cultural silence that often shields perpetrators against children.

Oranjemund Constituency Councillor Nestor Sheimi explained.

"We must aggressively address the issue of drug abuse. Additionally, we need to eliminate the use of vapes and smoking devices in our schools. I sincerely hope, learners, that you are not engaging in these activities while on school grounds. I urge teachers to take a firm stance against any student involved in such behaviour. These actions have serious consequences, not only harming your health but also jeopardising your future careers.”