• Youth

Making a difference

AfriYan Namibia is an African youth network on population and development that is in the forefront of Africa’s development. AfriYan Namibia was officially launched in 2012 during National Youth Week.

The chapter recognises the importance of fulfilling its mandate by enhancing youth participation and involvement in development and the implementation of programmes related to HIV, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender and youth development.

It also strengths networking and partnerships among youth-led or youth-serving organisations. The network was established because of the urgency to create a body that enables Namibian youth and adolescent organisations to have a consultation framework that has legitimacy at a national, regional and international level.

It also gather ideas, which means it has the know-how to set up and implement strategies likely to create changes in behaviour that are favourable to youth and adolescents at all levels.

It openly and actively debates problems related to development, poverty control and the fight against gender-related inequities, and advocates for young people in terms of SRHR, as well as developmental and gender issues.

AfriYan’s vision is to be the strongest network implementing policies, programmes and projects by young people, for young people, through collaborations with government to influence inclusive and effective change in sexual reproductive health and rights, gender and social development.

The initiative’s vision is to have a membership base of 200 youth organisations as members in Namibia and to empower member organisations through diversified training and advocacy. It also aims to create and maintain innovative and sustainable solutions for the challenges facing youth and adolescents in the area of its mandate.

It sets up a programme of action that gives young people a platform to have one voice, in order to harness creative ideas by youth-led organisations that will effectively contribute towards the development of Namibia.

AfriYan is commonly known for its values of innovation, accountability, effectiveness and integrity.

Meet the AfriYan Namibia team

President: Klaivert P Mwandingi holds a bachelor’s degree in common law, a diploma in sales and marketing management and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications. His love and passion for advocacy started in 2005 and has carried him into various leadership positions, which allowed him to learn and contribute to the fight for SRHR, inclusivity and employment.

Vice-president: Ndahafa Waimine is an industrial psychologist whose aim is to achieve the best possible performance to help the nation attain its goals. She is hardworking, competent and keen to learn, and is always ready to do her best.

Secretary-general: Luciano Kampala is a bachelor of accounting graduate from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust). He also holds a diploma in accounting and finance from the same university. He has a history in student and youth leadership and has served in different capacities in different organisations. He also has vast experience in accounting and finance.

Head of communications: Margareth-Rose Kangootui is a young professional, working towards attaining a bachelor’s degree in communications at the University of Namibia (Unam). She specialises in public relations and possesses effective communication skills. She is very creative and hardworking. She enjoys being involved in social issues where she can foster change.

Head of finance: Emma Theofelus is a recent LLB (honours) graduate from Unam with qualifications in African feminism and gender studies, as well as business management. She is an experienced public speaker and has hosted professional events and moderated panels.

Head of health: Nakushe Shaanika is final-year student at Unam’s Rundu campus and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education. She believes in accepting challenges and the power of unity. Health is the most essential aspect in life and her objectives are to reduce and prevent TB, hepatitis, HIV/Aids and yellow fever infections.

National coordinator: Cynthia Sitali completed her grade 12 in 2017 and is a volunteer at SCORE Namibia, a facilitator at the Financial Literacy Initiative, a member of the Ohang­wena SRHR taskforce and a regional computer, science and engineering (CSE) facilitator in the region.

Head of gender: Hakusembe Leander is a fourth-year student at Unam’s Rundu campus and is pursuing a bachelor degree in education. He is a highly principled and motivated man. He is interested in continuous learning and enjoys taking on new challenges.

Youth and development officer: David Nghifikwa is a first-year student studying community-based work with children and youth at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He volunteers at the Ohangwena SRHR youth club and is a youth representative of the Ohangwena youth health taskforce.

Head of logistics: Jao Mosuri is a fourth-year bachelor of education student, majoring in social science and Rukwangali at Unam’s Rundu campus and serves as the SRC secretary for recreation at the campus. He is the chairperson of the Kavango East CSE group and is an active member of the

Namibia Planned Parenthood Association

(NAPPA) youth volunteer group.