Empowering the Next Generation: Namibian Voices on Quality Education

In this installment of the "80 Voices for 80 Years" series, the conversation centers on the transformative power of education in Namibia. This video features citizens—ranging from students to long-time educators—who share their personal accounts of how the United Nations has supported the development of a more equitable and robust education system since independence.

The contributors in this video provide a true account of educational progress, including:

• Infrastructure and Resources: Speakers recall the UN’s historical and ongoing role in helping build classrooms and equipping schools with textbooks and essential learning materials.
• The Transition to Free Education: The video highlights the significant milestone of achieving free education in Namibia, noting that this has opened doors for those who previously could not afford to learn, particularly in rural and marginalized areas.
• Innovation and Future Skills: Voices in the video emphasize that education must now evolve toward innovation and technology. They describe these advancements as a "steppingstone" for future generations to compete in a globalized economy.
• Dignity Through Knowledge: The speakers reflect on how education has provided them with the "right to speak" and the confidence to participate actively in society, moving from a history of struggle to a future of self-reliance.

By focusing on the classroom as the starting point for national development, these Namibians demonstrate that the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2025–2029) must remain committed to lifelong learning.