YOUNG OBSERVER | ‘Hear us before we break’: Youth speak on teenage pregnancy and mental health

Patience Makwele

Young Namibians have called for greater support from parents, schools and government, saying many of the challenges they face, including teenage pregnancy, anxiety and mental health struggles, are worsened when adults fail to listen to them.

The youth voices emerged during the national commemoration of World Population Day 2026 in Windhoek, where learners and young people challenged leaders to move beyond discussions about youth and create spaces where they can openly share their experiences.

The event was held under the theme “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people today for the future,” with Khomas Governor Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma warning that Namibia’s youthful population can only become a demographic dividend if barriers preventing young people from reaching their potential are addressed.

Nujoma identified youth unemployment, substance abuse, school dropouts and teenage pregnancy among the challenges threatening young people’s future opportunities.

During a youth engagement session, learners from different schools said one of their biggest concerns is that adults often dismiss their struggles instead of providing guidance and support.