The #BeFree movement was initially launched by the First Lady of the Republic of Namibia, Madam Monica in 2016, with collaboration from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Source
The movement intends to establish a non-judgmental platform which encourages open conversations about physical, sexual and mental health among young people in Namibia. #BeFree focuses on addressing obstacles hindering the development of young people, and explores issues such as teenage pregnancy, drug addiction, psychosocial challenges such as depression and suicide, as well as relationship advice. Source
Inspiration for the movement originally came from UNAIDS’ “Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free” initiative, which sought to achieve an AIDS-free generation of children, adolescents and young women by 2020.Source Since its launch, the #BeFree movement has facilitated dozens of workshops and events across all of Namibia’s 14 regions. As of August 2020, the campaign’s activities reached over 100,000 youth and stakeholders. Source
As the #BeFree movement is youth-led, young people take centre stage and are actively involved in the design, organization, and delivery of all #BeFree events.
The #BeFree Youth Campus
On 1 September 2023, social welfare organisation One Economy Foundation launched the #BeFree Youth Campus in the district of Windhoek, in Katutura, Namibia. Described as the “institutionalisation of the #BeFree Movement”Source, the campus caters to adolescents and young people between the ages of 13 and 30, with the primary objective of providing a “safe and non-judgmental space for youth to facilitate their development and education in sexual and reproductive health.” Source
The campus provides a range of services including psychosocial assistance, healthcare services, education and training, legal advice related to gender-based violence, community activities, and entertainment. Facilities include the #BreakFree Youth Clinic, an innovation hub, a training hub, a STEM lab, an edutainment hub, the #BeFree park, and “The Plug” – a space for members of the Talented Individuals Programme.
Specific educational activities on the campus include general academic support for highschool students, entrepreneurial programming, and modern technical skills development. The campus also includes night classes for adults, including single mothers and parents, allowing them to share and discuss youth issues with mentalh health experts. Source
“Located in the heart of Katutura, a community we know faces a miasma of social ills, the campus shines as a beacon of hope for both the old and the young, as all will celebrate it. While unconventional, the strategic placement reflects the centre’s unwavering dedication to making a difference where it is needed the most.”
To promote the launch of the #BeFree Youth Campus, the One Economy Foundation hosted a youth concert at the Katutura Independence Arena in Windhoek, Namibia. The concert took place on the evening after the official opening of the #BeFree Youth Campus on 1 September 2023. The line-up consisted of prominent Namibian and African artists such as Gazza, King Tee Dee, South Africa’s Master KG and many others. Source
The artist line-up for the #BeFree Youth Concert [Source BeFree Facebook]
The event was heavily promoted across social media channels in the weeks leading up to the concert. As well as providing entertainment, the concert also included messaging addressing key social and health issues faced by young people in Namibia.
TKB’s highlight reel from the #BeFree Youth Concert
We are one! A privilege to inaugurate the #BeFree Youth Campus @One_Namibia whose objective is to strengthen our collective efforts to build better communities for the youth. I urge Namibians and the community of Katutura to use the campus and to look after it. 🎉 @FirstLadyNampic.twitter.com/vhOrC2asXx
It’s a beautiful day to be a #BeFree Ambassador and a young person of the Republic of Namibia! Our center was launched yesterday and I’m excited because this center means so much to us the Namibian youth . #PoweredByYouth#BeFreepic.twitter.com/v3D9m2FF9M
— Namibian Ambassador to the world❤️ (@iyambo_selma) September 2, 2023
hi??
I want to hear more , and join #BeFree Youth 🥲🥲🙏🙏