Vana vaTulu uses culture and science to guide youth

A group of Namibians worried about teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, school dropout and risky sexual behaviour among young people has established an organisation around a different idea: that curiosity about culture, science and the night sky can give them something to aim for.

Vana vaTulu Public Foundation (VTPF), founded by Tchilemo Bonifatius Ndjamba, is a non-profit association incorporated under Section 21, with registration number 21/2026/0281.

Spokesperson Prince Muha, one of the founders, said the organisation began with hard questions. “Why are things the way they are? What can we change? What should we do, and what do we ultimately want to achieve?” he asked.

“Our immediate concern was the direction some young people in our communities were taking,” Muha said. “Teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, school dropout and risky sexual behaviour raised questions about the guidance and opportunities available to them.”

“We saw a need for activities that would keep young people curious, engaged and hopeful about their futures,” he said. That led the founders towards cultural identity, science and space exploration, youth development, social development and social justice.

A gap in guidance

Muha said no single moment prompted the Foundation. “It was less than a single moment than a gap that became clearer through repeated discussions about young people’s lives,” he said.

“Teachers face pressure to complete the syllabus, while many parents carry demanding work and family responsibilities,” he said. As a result, young people can have limited opportunities for sustained mentorship, exploration and guidance beyond the classroom.

The founders also saw gaps in community knowledge. Some people have limited access to information about their own history, customs and heritage. “Science shapes everyday life, yet conversations about science and space often remain confined to classrooms and workplaces,” Muha said.

A further concern was how development is discussed. “We frequently described it as the government’s responsibility without considering what individuals, communities and organisations could contribute,” he said. “VTPF grew from the belief that we also have a role to play.”

Children of Tulu

The name comes from vaMbwela indigenous astronomical knowledge and the naming of stars. “Vana” means children and “Tulu” is understood as a parent figure, so “Vana vaTulu” means “children of Tulu”. It refers to a grouping of stars visible in the night sky.

“For the Foundation, the name connects cultural knowledge with curiosity about the wider universe,” Muha said.

From 2020 to registration

While discussions on the Foundation started earlier, the founders agreed to establish an organisation called Mema-a-Zivala Public Foundation on 6 January 2020.

“We used that name until 2025 while developing our ideas, preparing programmes and exploring how the organisation could operate,” Muha said.

According to its registration document, the date of incorporation is 17 September 2025. The document was signed and sealed on 25 February 2026.

Leadership and membership

Seven leaders are currently active, namely Tchilemo B. Ndjamba, Sophia Hamutenya, Maseka Anna, Nambara Josephine, Muha Prince, Naftaly Ngongo and Kambinda Daniel.

The Foundation has 12 active members and more than 30 recognised followers, with others interested in joining. “Our goals require wider participation, but we believe preparation matters,” Muha said. “We are working to establish clear structures and responsibilities so that participation can grow on a sound foundation.”

Programmes

The Foundation has eight planned programmes. “Our initial emphasis has been on research, knowledge and education,” Muha said. Two projects are currently active.

Through Wato, “our research has deepened our understanding of the migration histories of Kavango communities,” he said. Through Lumuna, the Foundation has studied the Kavango Region’s contribution to the independence struggle and the conflicts that affected Angola, particularly the areas now known as Cubango and Cuando.

The Foundation has also piloted elements of Think Like Mumi. According to Muha, those activities “have helped us develop programme modules and clarify how VTPF’s educational and leadership activities could be delivered.”

The remaining programmes “have been planned and are awaiting phased implementation as resources and organisational capacity become available,” he said.

“Much of our progress so far has been foundational: developing knowledge, learning materials and organisational systems,” Muha said. “Our next task is to turn that preparation into wider community participation and practical benefits.”

Funding

“At present, VTPF relies mainly on voluntary contributions from members, who contribute according to their willingness and ability,” Muha said. The Foundation plans to introduce monthly membership contributions and approach donors and corporate partners.

It is also preparing a donation-box campaign at participating shops, lodges and guest houses. “Members of the public will be able to contribute any amount,” he said. The Executive Committee will allocate these general contributions across Wato, Lumuna and preparations for Think Like Mumi.

Businesses and individuals who want an individually acknowledged donation, or to support a specific project, can contact VTPF directly.

[email protected]

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