Investing in Namibia’s youth, one year at a time

The One Economy Foundation is set to host its 11th annual fundraising soirée on 1 October, with proceeds supporting youth-focused programmes across Namibia.

The foundation is known for its community intervention programmes and social upliftment activities.

The event, to be held in Windhoek, will run under the theme ‘Rooted in Purpose’.

It aims to gather figures from the government, corporate entities, civil society, and international development agencies to secure support for youth initiatives.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary event, BeFree Leadership Council president Godwin Januarie highlighted the importance of sustained community-level investment.

“Your support is not simply a donation; it is an investment in the future of Namibian youth,” Januarie said. “Every contribution, regardless of its size, helps create opportunities and gives young people a platform to grow, lead and believe in their potential.”

Funds raised during the evening will go directly toward maintaining and expanding the foundation’s operations in health service delivery, education, and economic skills building across the country.

Founded in 2016 by former first lady Monica Geingos, the foundation operates as a social welfare organisation focused on young Namibians aged 13 to 35. Its programmes target young people facing structural barriers to healthcare, educational resources, skills development, and employment opportunities.

Foundation spokesperson Pauline Moses shares that “over the past 11 years, the foundation has established a multi-sectoral approach designed to tackle interconnected socio-economic challenges. Its core operational areas encompass sexual and reproductive health (SRH), mental health support, science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, and socio-economic empowerment’’.

Through the #BeFree Cares Clinic located at the #BeFree Youth Campus in Windhoek and mobile outreach units operating across the Khomas, Oshana, Erongo, and Kavango regions, the foundation offers free health services, HIV testing, voluntary counselling, and health education.

Beyond medical care, the #BeFree Youth Campus functions as a community resource hub. It offers structured training, clubs, and workshops covering robotics, 3D design and printing, horticulture, performing arts, self-defence, and after-school academic support.

The campus also houses the #BeFree Meals Kitchen, which provides basic food support to enable young people to attend programmes without nutritional hardship.

To address youth unemployment, the foundation runs its Youth Opportunities (YO!) programme. The initiative equips participants with practical skills in entrepreneurship, financial management, vocational capabilities, and digital content creation to foster financial independence.

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