Africa-Press – Namibia. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on young Namibians to volunteer in supporting the welfare of vulnerable elders and veterans of the liberation struggle, particularly those living in rural communities.
The government recently approved a plan, announced by the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology, to expand this culture of care.
The initiative will involve Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees and other young volunteers in villages and informal settlements assisting with household maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction for vulnerable elders and veterans.
Through this voluntary programme, Ngurare said the households of vulnerable elders and veterans will be rehabilitated, with the installation of essential facilities such as ablution systems, access to water, and electricity where possible.
“Let us all take this journey together. Every act of kindness brings us closer to a society where our elders and heroes are respected, valued, and cared for,” he said.
Materials for these projects will be sourced locally, and the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs will coordinate activities within its mandate.
Ngurare stressed that the initiative is voluntary and should not create the impression that families are no longer responsible for their elderly relatives.
“Families remain central to the care of elders, but this programme supplements their efforts and strengthens community support,” he said.
Reflecting on Namibia’s journey to independence, Ngurare highlighted the sacrifices of liberation struggle veterans.
“When Founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma returned on 14 September 1989, hope was rekindled, especially among our youth. Many brave men and women paid with their lives for our freedom. It is our duty to honour their sacrifices,” he narrates.
He emphasised that while many elderly are cared for by families or reside in urban elderly homes, those in rural areas often lack basic support.
He said although government interventions, including social grants and pensions, exist, they do not reach all vulnerable households.
“To address this, the government has introduced community gardens, beginning in Otjombinde, Omaheke Region, where youth and community members produce food to support local households. Other traditional authorities are being encouraged to replicate this model,” Ngurare said.
He further said that ccomplementing these initiatives, unemployed TVET trainees and youth volunteers will carry out regular household interventions in rural villages and informal settlements. Participation is voluntary, with compensation provided through food-for-work and cash-for-work programmes.
“We call on all Namibians to join this effort. No elder should face avoidable hardship, and no veteran should be neglected. The private sector is also encouraged to collaborate in this nationwide initiative,” the Prime Minister urged.
The Prime Minister condemned the growing trend of mocking war veterans due to their living conditions. Our veterans deserve honour, dignity, and care. We must ensure they have access to basic amenities, especially as they await their entitlements from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
