Namibia’s Learners Discover How Global Goals Begin in Their Classrooms

Windhoek, Namibia — 9 October 2025: Excitement filled the air as learners from the National Institute for Special Education – School for the Hearing Impaired, Augustineum High School, and Havana Primary School gathered to explore how the work of the United Nations shapes everyday life in Namibia.

Led by the UN Communications Group under the SDG Educational Outreach Programme, the initiative aims to bring the United Nations closer to young people, turning global issues into relatable, everyday lessons. Beyond strengthening awareness about the UN’s work and the Sustainable Development Goals, the programme provides learners with practical opportunities to understand global challenges and their own potential role in addressing them. Through open dialogue and hands-on activities, the session empowers learners to see themselves as active participants in Namibia’s development journey and as future contributors to global progress. As one student put it, “We must learn these goals now because we are the ones who will shape the future.”

Welcoming the learners, Hopolang Phororo, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Namibia, explained that “UN4U simply means ‘The UN is for You.” She encouraged them to think of themselves as partners in progress:

“The Sustainable Development Goals are not just about governments and institutions,” she said. “They are about people, your families, your communities, and the choices you make each day. You are the generation that will carry these goals forward.”

The discussion began with global challenges from poverty to climate change and quickly became personal as learners connected these issues to everyday experiences in their schools and communities.

The SWIFT 30 SDG Team Challenge brought the message to life. Working in fast-paced groups, learners had just 30 seconds to match everyday actions like tree planting, studying, recycling, and helping others to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The exercise sparked debate and moments of discovery, turning global frameworks into something tangible and relatable through teamwork and imagination.

“The game showed us that everything is linked,” said a student from Augustineum High School. “If you protect the environment, you also help people stay healthy and support jobs.”

Inclusion remained a defining feature of the session, supported by three teachers who served as sign language interpreters. For many learners, it was the first time they experienced an activity where sign language and spoken communication shared equal space, reflecting the UN’s commitment to leaving no one behind.

Julia, from the School for the Hearing Impaired, shared:

“Everyone deserves to be included. I liked learning about fairness and peace.”

Ms. Phororo reinforced the message, noting:

“In everything we do, we must make space for every voice and remove the barriers that hold people back.”

When asked what changes they hope to see by the time the UN turns 100, learners spoke with conviction:

“Lack of jobs turns youth to crime, we need decent work, equality and peace,” shared a student from Augustineum High School.
“People with disabilities must have opportunities too. Everyone deserves a chance to learn and help,” added a learner from Havana Primary School.

Their reflections echoed Namibia’s development vision from economic opportunity and strong institutions to inclusion, education, and youth empowerment and affirmed that young people are ready to contribute to shaping their future. As one participant captured the spirit of the day,

“If we work together, we can build the Namibia we dream of.”

As the session concluded, learners walked away with a deeper understanding of how daily actions, kindness, fairness, learning, and helping one another connect to the SDGs.

“We all have a part to play in building a better Namibia together,” one student concluded.

About the Programme

The UN4U and SDG Educational Outreach Programme is part of the United Nations in Namibia’s ongoing commitment to connect with schools and empower youth. Through dialogue, inclusion, and hands-on learning, it turns the global into the personal — showing young Namibians that the future they dream of begins with the actions they take today.

Background

The UN4U and SDG Educational Outreach Programme is a global initiative designed to educate learners about the UN’s mission, the 2030 Agenda, and how the Sustainable Development Goals translate into local action. In Namibia, the initiative forms part of broader efforts under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2025–2029) to promote youth engagement, inclusion, and lifelong learning.