Namibia Highlights Children’s Rights and Boys’ Education at Sub-Regional World Children’s Day

Namibia Highlights Children’s Rights and Boys’ Education at Sub-Regional World Children’s Day. Namibia joined Southern African countries in commemorating the fifth Sub-Regional World Children’s Day, held on 15 November 2025 in Gaborone, Botswana. The event united children and leaders from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) under the theme “From Promises to Action”, with a focus on “My Day. My Rights.”

This year’s theme emphasised the need to move beyond policy discussions and place real experiences of children at the centre of regional dialogue.

Delegations from Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, the Kingdom of Eswatini, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia participated in the gathering. Namibia was represented by Vice President Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, accompanied by ten children. She reiterated the nation’s continued commitment to supporting and protecting children’s rights, noting that policies have been strengthened to promote greater inclusivity.

Namibia’s chosen focus area for the event was “Boy’s Education.” Two members of the Children’s Parliament, Hon Gerson Negumbo and Hon Lineo Prisha Magano Mokotjomela, presented the challenges faced by boys in the country’s education system. They highlighted the importance of expanding educational pathways to include more practical, technical and vocational opportunities.

During the Sub-Regional Children’s Parliament Session, Hon Negumbo raised concerns about school dropouts among boys, stressing the impact on their future prospects. Hon Mokotjomela also addressed the issue of teenage pregnancy, noting that it affects schooling continuity for many girls in Namibia.

The annual event rotates among SADC member states. Botswana hosted the gathering in 2021 and again in 2025, followed by Zambia in 2022, Namibia in 2023 and Zimbabwe in 2024. Lesotho will host the next Sub-Regional World Children’s Day in 2026. Each host country uses the platform to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening and championing children’s rights across the region.