Pilot Programme Aims to Support Rehabilitation of Street-Connected Children

Pilot Programme Aims to Support Rehabilitation of Street-Connected Children. A three day orientation workshop aimed at preparing stakeholders for a new rehabilitation initiative for children living and working on the streets was held in Henties Bay from 02 to 04 February 2026. The workshop was convened by the Ministry in partnership with the National Youth Service (NYS).

The orientation focused on laying the groundwork for a tailor made five week pilot training programme that will be jointly implemented by the Ministry’s social workers and NYS instructors. The initiative is described as the first of its kind and is designed to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of children who are currently living and working on the streets.

According to information shared during the workshop, the pilot programme will target 75 children between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants will be drawn from the Hardap, Khomas, Erongo, Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions.

The planned training will combine structured activities with support services. Areas of focus include discipline, patriotism, voluntarism and basic agricultural skills. Psychotherapeutic services will also form part of the programme, with support provided by the Ministry’s social work professionals.

Organisers indicated that the initiative is aligned with the national call to action known as My Namibia, My Pride. This campaign promotes unity, self reliance and pride in Namibian identity, values that the pilot programme aims to reflect through its training approach.

The orientation workshop brought together relevant stakeholders to clarify roles, expectations and implementation plans ahead of the programme rollout. By involving both social workers and NYS instructors, the initiative seeks to combine social support with structured skills based training.

The pilot phase is expected to provide insight into approaches that may help address the complex needs of children living and working on the streets. Outcomes from the programme may inform future efforts aimed at supporting vulnerable children and strengthening reintegration pathways within communities