One point six million Namibians continue to live in poverty, with the youth mostly affected and plagued by multiple socio-economic challenges.

These were some of the issues being discussed at the Ecumenical Youth Indaba, held in the capital.

The Youth unemployment rate considered a time bomb currently stands at about 50 percent.

The Ecumenical Youth Indaba thus creates a platform for the youth to organise and mobilise themselves to address challenges faced and exploit opportunities presented.

Young people were also encouraged to get involved in church activities considering society's moral decay.

The United Congregation Church of Southern Africa's Reverend, Dr Andre September said "we need young people to help us with critical analysis on where we are and where we are supposed to go for society to be transformed, social justice is an extension of Gods love and Gods way of protecting and defending those who cant defend themselves." 

In a speech read on his behalf, Dr Marius Kudumo, of the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office, encouraged the audience to believe in their capacity to articulate solutions, with the support of the government and non-state actors.

CCN Youth desk's Claudina Shimanda said the Youth Indaba is significant for the youth to start a process of youth activism and engagements, it is inevitable to start.

The youth were also advised to strengthen coordination among themselves.

NYC Vice Chairperson, JP van der Westhuizen said "whatever church you come from you are all affected by the same things, so primarily the first step should be how do we stand together to develop ourselves and where we come from as young people, that will define the leadership of the community, church and the country."

One of the participants is Elsie Waendama.

"Not having information on where to go can be a challenge which adds to this unemployment issue and challenges that we as young people are facing, so this session  helps us brainstorm on ideas and issues not everyone is aware of and when we go back we can implement it."

The one - day Indaba explored the critical role of Christian youth in the struggle for social justice in Namibia and beyond.