INTERVIEW: Empowering Namibia’s Youth: An Interview with Kristine Shetunyenga of Social Enabled Education Namibia

Windhoek, Namibia – Social Enabled Education Namibia (SEEN) is making significant strides in empowering young Namibians through civic engagement. Kristine Shetunyenga, the PR and Marketing Manager for SEEN, recently spoke with Leonard Witbeen on “In Focus with Leonard Witbeen,” shedding light on the organization’s impactful work.

Promoting Civic Engagement

Kristine Shetunyenga provided an overview of SEEN’s mission: to empower and provide leadership opportunities to young people by fostering civic engagement. “Our goal is to educate and motivate the youth to actively participate in their communities and make informed decisions, particularly about voting and civic responsibilities,” Shetunyenga explained.

Recent Initiatives

SEEN has been actively working to address voter apathy among Namibian youth. Recently, the organization has conducted a series of workshops across the country, focusing on the importance of voter registration and participation. A notable event included inviting high school students, Miss Teen Walvis Bay finalists, and other community members to hear from local leaders, including the Walvis Bay mayor and counselors. This event aimed to empower young people with knowledge about the electoral process and the significance of their votes.

Youth Engagement and Responses

The organization has encountered a mixed response from young people. While some exhibit voter apathy due to feelings of disenfranchisement or unemployment, many are becoming more engaged and informed thanks to SEEN’s efforts. “Our educational campaigns are gradually making a difference, and we are seeing increased interest from the youth,” Shetunyenga said.

Voter Registration Statistics

With Namibia’s elections approaching on November 27, Shetunyenga expressed optimism about the recent voter registration statistics. “The fact that 81% of eligible voters have registered is a significant milestone,” she noted. “It reflects the success of various campaigns, including ours. Although we need to ascertain how many of these registrants are young people, the overall figure is encouraging.”

Anticipating Voter Turnout

When asked if the registered youth would actually turn out to vote, Shetunyenga was hopeful. “If young people have taken the step to register, I believe many will also go out and vote. Our educational efforts are helping to raise awareness about the importance of voting and the potential for change it represents.”

Impact of Social Media

SEEN has effectively utilized social media to engage with the youth. “Platforms like Instagram and Twitter have been crucial in reaching young people. For a more professional audience, we also use LinkedIn,” Shetunyenga explained. These platforms have allowed SEEN to tailor their messages and effectively communicate with different segments of the youth population.

Looking Forward

Kristine Shetunyenga’s dedication to empowering Namibia’s youth through civic engagement is evident. As SEEN continues its work, the organization is making a tangible impact on voter education and participation. “It’s been a pleasure discussing our efforts, and we look forward to continuing our work to inspire and mobilize young Namibians,” Shetunyenga concluded.