In a recent interview with Claudius Riruako, a dedicated member of the Basic Income Grant Coalition, the focus was on the coalition’s recent visit to the south of Namibia. The purpose of this trip was to engage with communities, spread awareness about the Basic Income Grant, and decentralize their efforts to touch more lives.

Trip Highlights

The coalition, in collaboration with university students from institutions such as UNAM, NAST, and Triumphant, organized the visit to the Ileni constituency, Piaka Javiala High School, and Tert community. Before embarking on this journey, the coalition took the time to educate themselves on effectively conveying information to the public, essentially campaigning for the Basic Income Grant to be heard.

Overcoming Misconceptions

Claudius Riruako shared that initial confusion arose among the villagers. There were suspicions of political affiliations and expectations of monetary gains. However, the coalition promptly clarified their non-political stance, emphasizing that their goal was to raise awareness about the Basic Income Grant, not distribute funds.

Once the misconceptions were dispelled, the villagers welcomed the coalition with open arms. Engagements included dancing, entertainment, and addressing common questions about the grant, such as concerns about how the money would be distributed and the assurance that it wouldn’t face the challenges of the past.

Empowering Communities

Beyond discussing the Basic Income Grant, the coalition aims to empower communities by educating them about their rights as Namibian citizens. They stressed that the grant is not just about money but also about ensuring social well-being and citizens’ awareness of their rights.

Future Plans

With the year being an election year, the coalition aims to intensify its efforts to make the government accountable for citizens’ social well-being. Riruako expressed the desire to reach more communities and constituencies, touching the lives of people across the region.

Coalition’s Ultimate Goal

The Basic Income Grant Coalition’s objective is crystal clear: advocate for the Namibian government to provide a basic income of 500 Namibian dollars to citizens aged 0 to 59. This, they argue, is a fundamental right akin to housing, water, and education. The coalition emphasizes that resources in the country should belong to the people, bridging the gap of inequality and poverty.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the interview, plans were discussed to share information through news excerpts and articles. The coalition remains committed to its cause, working tirelessly to ensure that the Basic Income Grant becomes a song sung by the people, urging the government to heed their call for social justice and economic well-being.

As the Basic Income Grant Coalition continues its journey, it’s clear that their commitment to social change and citizen empowerment remains unwavering. The south visit was just a stepping stone in their mission to create a more equitable and just society for all Namibians.