How do you think the fourth session of the Junior National Council will impact youth participation in national democratic processes?

Nee-Thanks Uupindi
  • 1 Day Ago

Rejoice Amutenya (24)

I believe the Fourth Junior National Council is an important platform for strengthening youth participation in Namibia’s democracy. It gives young people practical exposure to Parliament, public debate and decision-making, while showing that we are policy contributors, not spectators.

Democratic participation goes beyond voting. It means engaging with policy, raising community concerns and holding institutions accountable.

But the real test is what happens after these four days. Our recommendations must be taken seriously and followed through. I would also like to see participants take what they learn back to their schools and communities.

Young people should not only have a seat at the table; we should have a say in the decisions made there.


Thomas Shafudah (18)

The Fourth Junior National Council is a commendable step towards bringing young Namibians closer to the democratic process.

It allows us to enter a space that can often feel distant – Parliament – and to understand how legislation, governance and decision-making work.

Most importantly, it shows that democracy is not something that happens to young people. We can participate in it and help shape it.

But if the Junior National Council is truly meant to represent school-going youth, we must ask: are 42 young people enough to represent the voices of an entire generation?


Hiskiel Negoli (18)

The Junior National Council is an important step towards making young people feel seen and heard in Namibia’s democracy.

It allows us to understand how decisions are made, challenge ideas and recognise that our voices can help shape the country we will inherit.

However, with 42 participants representing young people across 14 regions, there is a risk that participation becomes more symbolic than representative. Discussions should also address issues that directly affect young people, including education, unemployment, mental health, water and sanitation.

Most importantly, what we raise here must reach policymakers beyond the four-day session. Young people should not only be invited to talk about the future; we should help shape it.


Iyaloo Shikola (22)

Young people are the ambassadors of the nation and the generation that will inherit the future.

I believe the Junior National Council can strengthen civic participation by starting with the rural child. Every young Namibian should understand their rights, how Parliament works and how they can participate in decision-making.

The Council should be more than a debating platform. It should connect the voices of young people in classrooms and rural communities with national decision-making.

If we teach and involve children in democracy from an early age, they will see it as something they own and actively participate in, rather than something distant.

This should not be a once-off activity. It should inspire young people to become active citizens, speak up for others and carry that spirit of participation into their communities.

If we instil that spirit early, we are helping shape the leaders and citizens who will shape Namibia’s future.


Maggy Shali (17)

The Junior National Council gives young people a platform to have their voices, opinions and concerns heard by government, communities and their peers.

I believe it can encourage more young people to participate in issues that affect them, speak up, share their ideas and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the country.

Young people want to be heard, but we also want opportunities to turn our ideas into action.