• Youth

Celine ready for the challenge

Leandrea Louw

Celine Penda, a grade 11 learner at Namib High School, was chosen as the new junior mayor of Swakopmund recently.

Penda has been serving on the junior town council for the past two years, after starting off as a member last year.

“It was earlier this year that we were elected as senior councillors and eligible to acquire executive positions. Each year the juniors have a project to complete, where the seniors can see who is eligible for the different positions on the executive.

“Our project was when we visited and donated food to the Tears of Hope orphanage earlier this year. We made them lunch and spent the day with them,” said Penda.

She further explained that before the elections, the outgoing senior councillors interview the newly elected seniors.

“Basically we vote for each other for the different positions and the senior councillors then decide who is best for the job. They take into account your behaviour outside the council as well.”

Penda’s main plan this year is to bring the youth of Swakopmund together.

“I am in the process of planning a matric cup for next month, where learners from both private and government schools will participate in soccer, rugby and netball. At this event I want to create an atmosphere where everyone enjoys each other’s company, and does not look at the school they’re from or the colour they are.”

Her other main event is the Santa Shoe Box Project.

“I’d really like to appeal to the community of Swakopmund to fill up a box with items a child needs. This will help us make Christmas a joyous occasion for a lot of orphans and vulnerable children in our town.”

She advises that people need to get out of their comfort zones and try something new every day.

“Do not listen to what people have to say about certain things. They had their own experiences. You can have your own experiences as well. Fear has two parts to it, one is to walk away and never know what the outcome might have been, or you try your best and know the outcome.

“As the junior council, we are just somebodies trying to make someday possible. Instead of having wishbones, we have backbones, and we are going to stay true to this.

“To the youth, stop waiting on life. You’re town does not owe you recreational facilities, your parents do not owe you fun. You owe the world something. You owe the world your time, energy and talent; so get up, study, do the dishes, read your books - just do something. Do something with your time that doesn’t necessarily have to benefit you,” she said.

In addition to her civic responsibilities, Penda also serves as the editor of her school’s newspaper called the High Times. She is an avid writer and contributes immensely to sharing the stories of her school peers. Earlier in the year, Penda and her other editorial members were actively trained in photography, elements of editorial design and the different components of reporting and writing during an annual media camp hosted by Namibia Media Holdings (NMH) in Windhoek.

Her deputy mayor is Aurielle Louw from Pro-Ed Academy, the public relations officer is Rivaldo Gertze from Namib High, the secretary is Johanna Hipangwela from Swakopmund Secondary School and the treasurer is Mauricia Möwes from Namib High School.