Government Launches Pilot Child Rehabilitation Programme in Henties Bay

Government Launches Pilot Child Rehabilitation Programme in Henties Bay. The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Dr. Emma Kantema, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening child welfare through targeted support programmes. She made the remarks during her visit to the National Youth Service (NYS) training centre in Henties Bay, where over 80 children living and working on the streets are undergoing a five-week rehabilitation and reintegration training.

Dr. Kantema emphasized that children remain a national priority, highlighting ongoing initiatives focused on education support, healthcare access, nutrition, and psychosocial services. “I want to reassure you that the government believes in the young people of Namibia. It gives us pleasure to know that young people are given an opportunity to become productive citizens,” she said.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, in partnership with the NYS, recently launched this tailor-made pilot programme, the first of its kind in Namibia. It is jointly implemented by the Ministry’s social workers and NYS instructors, combining psychosocial support with practical training.

Over 80 children aged 12 to 18 from the Hardap, Khomas, Erongo, Otjozondjupa, and Omaheke regions have been enrolled. The programme focuses on instilling discipline, patriotism, voluntarism, and basic agricultural skills, while also providing psychotherapeutic services to support emotional and mental well-being.

Officials noted that the initiative is designed to ensure that vulnerable children have access to opportunities that foster their physical, emotional, and intellectual development. By equipping participants with life skills and cooperative values, the programme aims to reintegrate them into society as empowered and responsible citizens.

The pilot project represents a significant step in Namibia’s broader child welfare strategy, reinforcing the government’s pledge to meet children at their point of need and provide pathways toward sustainable futures.