Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK, Sept. 12 — On Friday, September 1, 2023, the Capricorn Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to the One Economy #BeFree Project by inaugurating the #BeFree Youth Campus in Katutura. At the opening, the Capricorn Foundation pledged N$517,000.00 towards the #BeFree Youth Campus’s training facility, bringing its total contribution to just over N$1 million. Their initial contribution of N$500,000.00 last October was directed towards the construction of the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Training Centre.
The #BeFree Youth Campus has a mission to serve as a comprehensive resource hub for young individuals aged 13 to 30, offering a wide range of integrated multidisciplinary services that address various aspects of youth well-being. This holistic approach encompasses physical and psychological health, with provisions for medical services, counselling, and life skills support. The generous support from the Capricorn Foundation includes a training facility and STEM centre, equipped with online learning resources, after-school tutoring, access to educational materials, I.T. facilities, an outdoor gym, a soup kitchen, and specialized support for STEM subjects, coding classes, a library, and free Wi-Fi.
Marlize Horn, Executive Officer at the Capricorn Foundation, expressed the organization’s commitment to positive change and addressing social inequalities that hinder youth development. Horn emphasized that education and training, as well as entrepreneurial skills development, are key areas of focus for the Capricorn Foundation. The #BeFree Youth Campus aligns with these objectives and represents a new beginning for Namibian youth as they find purpose and support in this safe environment. Horn stated, “We are proud of our partnership with the One Economy Foundation and that we can be part of this new beginning and season with the Namibian youth as they find their purpose in this safe space.”
The importance of investing in young people was underscored by the First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, who highlighted the significance of the #BeFree Youth Campus. Geingos emphasized the role it plays as a secure space where young individuals can unlock their full potential, express themselves freely, access multidisciplinary services, and discuss previously taboo topics.
The Capricorn Foundation’s generous contribution to the #BeFree Youth Campus underscores the vital role that organizations and initiatives like these play in empowering and supporting the youth of Namibia. As the Campus continues to evolve and provide essential services, it stands as a symbol of hope and opportunity for the nation’s future leaders.
