Since the early 1900s, authors and playwrights have toyed with the idea of what life might be like for children if there were no adults. From Peter Pan to Lord of the Flies to Jimmy Neutron, generations of children have salivated at the idea of having no one to tell them what to do. However, as expected, each of those situations turns foul. As children, we only see the negative side of discipline and dependence, but looking back as mature adults we recognize the positive influence many adults have had in shaping our lives.
Sadly, this very scenario is playing itself out in Namibia where almost half the population are children. Based on the latest national census, approximately
43% of the population is under the age of 18 (UNICEF 2010). For comparison, in the United States only about 24% of the population is under the age of 18.
One could look for causes in the AIDS epidemic, sexual promiscuity, or unemployment forcing adults to relocate, however the devastating results remain. The nation is left with thousands of children being raised by other children with few positive adult role models to influence their lives! As they grow up, vices abound among the young adult population: alcoholism, sexual immorality, abuse, laziness, theft, selfishness, greed. This vicious cycle only repeats itself as the younger generations learn from the ways of their predecessors.
This tragic situation is one reason NETS (Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary) has determined to develop a youth ministry program for their school. Our goal is to raise up youth workers who will be positive, godly role models and influencers of the younger generations. These children are the future leaders, businessmen, pastors, teachers, and politicians of Namibia. What kind of leaders they become depends largely on the example and training they receive from older generations. May God use this program to train up godly youth workers and transform future generations of Namibian young people!
