EMPOWERING PARENTS, NURTURING FUTURES

Transforming early childhood development in Namibia

Amidst the harsh realities of life in Namibia’s informal settlements, where poverty cycles persist, parents face an uphill battle in prioritising the development of their children, particularly during those crucial early years. With long work hours, unemployment and unsafe living conditions, many parents find themselves caught in a cycle of stress and hardship, struggling to prioritise their children’s early years – a critical period for growth and learning.

In the heart of these communities, where societal norms often endorse physical discipline as the primary means of moulding children into productive members of society, the path to nurturing care can seem elusive. Yet, amidst the trials and tribulations, there lies a glimmer of hope; a beacon of light in the form of initiatives aimed at empowering parents and safeguarding the future of their children.

Parents are the architects of their children’s futures. However, Namibia is a country marked by rapid urbanisation and the erosion of traditional community and family structures, so parents are often left adrift amidst a sea of conflicting advice and a lack of support in terms of meaningful resources. Poverty, inequality and the absence of comprehensive childcare support systems only compound the challenges they face. Moreover, a staggering lack of awareness about early childhood development (ECD) leaves parents ill-equipped to provide the nurturing environment their children need to thrive.

The reality of Namibia’s post-conflict, post-apartheid landscape is stark. Violence within homes, schools and communities leaves scars that may never fully heal. A 2019 study on violence against children, conducted by the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare in collaboration with UNICEF, revealed alarming statistics: nearly a third of females and over 40% of males experienced physical violence before reaching adulthood. Shockingly, a significant portion of these acts of violence were perpetrated by parents or other adult relatives. The findings underscored a disturbing trend of multi-incidence sexual violence, with the majority of victims suffering at the hands of family members.

In response to this pressing need, Development Workshop Namibia (DWN) has embarked on a transformative initiative aimed at breaking the cycle of adversity through parental empowerment. Since 2021, DWN has conducted a series of nationwide parental workshops, totalling 382 to date, with the aim of educating parents on the critical importance of ECD. Facilitated by trained community members, known as ECD champions, these workshops provide a safe space for parents to engage in discussions on positive discipline, coparenting and avenues for seeking help in cases of abuse.

One such champion is 40-year-old Fillipus Shambwangala, a respected community leader who underwent the DWN Training of Trainers (ToT) programme. As a workshop discussion leader, Shambwangala embodies the spirit of positive change. For him, these workshops represent more than just educational sessions – they are a testament to the power of community and collective action. “ECD is the foundation on which a child is built,” he remarks, his voice brimming with conviction. “By investing our time and efforts into shaping children from a young age, we pave the way for a brighter future – one marked by reduced drop-out rates, lower crime levels and a generation of well-rounded adults.”

Through the tireless efforts of individuals like Shambwangala and the collective commitment of organisations like DWN, a brighter future for Namibia’s children is within reach. By empowering parents, fostering supportive communities and prioritising early childhood development, we can pave the way for a generation of resilient, compassionate and emotionally intelligent adults. And in doing so, we lay the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable society for all.

As Shambwangala aptly puts it, “Together, we can build a better tomorrow – one where every child has the chance to spread their wings and soar.” With each workshop, each conversation, DWN is inching closer to that vision, one empowered parent at a time.

For more information into the work carried out by Development Workshop Namibia, scan the code to explore our website.

Frieda Kakololo