Africa-Press – Namibia. THE One Economy Foundation recently hosted a public briefing to update the public on the progress of the #BeFree Centre of Excellence, which is intended to be an inclusive space that offers relevant services to young people between the ages of 13 to 23.
“The project intends to close the gaps in service delivery to young people by fostering innovative and engaging platforms that provide targeted, gender-sensitive, and age-appropriate programming. The programmes will be diverse and inclusive and will cater to the specific needs of the youth,” Ileni Hitula, the One Economy Foundation’s Communications Officer, stated.
The centre, which is a joint project between the One Economy Foundation and the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, is intended as a pilot project for now. If successful, it could be introduced in other parts of the country as well.
The briefing was hosted at the Windhoek Multi-Purpose Youth Resource Centre in Katutura, which will be renovated to include art centres, training areas, an outdoor gym and a wellness hub, among other facilities.
The centre will also offer counselling, mentorship, seminars and accredited courses to members. According to the One Economy Foundation’s Programme Manager, Saddam Biwa, the accredited courses might be provided by external, foreign entities, which means payments could be required. However, he stated BeFree members can gain credit by volunteering at the centre and this credit can be used to access the accredited courses.
Biwa also noted that volunteering is not limited to members only. Residents from the community can also volunteer and even apply for employment at the centre. In fact, those who want to be part of the construction process are encouraged to submit their résumés to the centre by 24 March.
“A key directive that I’ve been given is how to involve the community and keep them involved throughout the process. This is a community building,” Biwa added. According to Biwa, the aspect of inclusivity also influenced the design of the building.
For example, he explained that they decided to design a one-story building and made provision for ramps in an effort to make the building wheelchair accessible.
The Senior Youth Officer at the Windhoek Multi-Purpose Youth Resource Centre, Dibasen Bonnie Gawaseb, stated that the centre “is meant to address the meaningful and real problems in our society”. His sentiments were also shared by other attendees.
“I think it’s a really brilliant idea that will provide a safe space for young people, while still remaining very relevant and helpful,” one remarked.
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