Empowering Namibian youth through a life-changing camp

In the heart of Khomas Region, a powerful six-day youth workshop brought together 38 students from the local community. The Grassroot Soccer (GRS) Peace Corps Skillz camp, which was held at a secondary school and organized by Hope Initiative Southern Africa-Namibia (HISA) and the Peace Corps, aimed to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood.

Teaching life skills and financial literacy

The GRS camp, which used soccer and fun activities to get youth engaged, focused on two essential areas: life skills and financial literacy. The life skills curriculum covered topics such as goal setting, gender equality, peer pressure, healthy relationships, and self-advocacy. The financial literacy curriculum taught participants how to set financial goals, understand needs versus wants, budget, and plan for the future.

Interactive learning engages youth

The workshop's interactive methods made learning accessible and engaging. Group discussions, role-playing, games, and simulations were used to facilitate open dialogue and hands-on practice. This approach allowed participants to apply the concepts learned to real-life scenarios, making the experience more memorable and effective.

Outcomes and impact

By the end of the six-day camp, participants left with a heightened understanding of critical topics such as HIV/AIDS prevention, self-advocacy, and financial responsibility. Key outcomes included enhanced knowledge about healthy relationships and consent, improved communication skills and self-esteem, and increased confidence in financial planning and saving for the future.

A moment of gratitude

On the final day, a camp participant shared a heartfelt poem. Her words beautifully captured the impact of the workshop, expressing gratitude for the support and guidance received, and encouraging her peers to stay confident and focused on their goals.

You've got the words to change a nation

By Carmen, a 10th grader

This is my thanks to you for being with me. Most of the time people walk out on me but you stuck right by me. Thank you for listening and the teamwork; for building a bond with not only me but everyone we’ve met. For teaching us our values, teaching us things we didn’t know.

Thank you for your leadership. Thanks for the help and support you gave me and everybody else. I know I may talk a lot and ask a lot of questions but that is for my knowledge. I don’t want to go forward without knowing everything. I want to know more.

Most people don’t ever think of the future of us kids in this community. They say or think we are useless, but you stuck by us.

Key message: Whenever you feel down, there is always help and support out there and if you don’t have confidence and self-love in yourself just remember your wants, needs, and especially your goals.

Youth voices matter

The GRS camp was a small but life-changing moment for both youth and facilitators. By combining soccer, sexual education, and financial literacy, HISA created a unique space where young people could grow, learn, and be inspired. This workshop not only empowered them to make informed decisions in life but also showed them that their voices matter, now and in the future. Working with these youth has been a privilege, and partnering with the community for a brighter, healthier Namibia is an honor we hold dear.