The problems confronting Namibian youth at the beginning of the 21st century are many. Their world is changing at a rapid pace and many of the time-honoured aspects and traditional ways of life that stood their forebears in good stead are no longer relevant or reliable for many young people. At the same time, young Namibians are encountering challenges that are not only different from those which beset their elders, but which, in many instances, are in far greater magnitude than before.
For instance, HIV/AIDS was unheard of in previous generations. So was the concept of environmental inadequacies, such as socio-economic hardships in cash-based economies, awareness of interdependence on natural resources for livelihoods and indeed, the realisation that living space, and these resources, were limited. Yet, as the leaders of tomorrow, our young Namibians will be expected to meet and successfully overcome these challenges, not least of which are population and sustainable development. Health is a key issue in relation to income generation and quality of life, and in particular, adequate food security and nutrition play a vital role in the prevention of ill-health in a constantly evolving society.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is ever supportive of programmes which involve health education in Namibia and this initiative by the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Employment Creation is no exception. The promotion of income generation, vegetable gardening and the importance of nutrition within the MHETEC's Rural Youth Development Programme can be expected to have far-reaching positive consequences in equipping Rural Youth Club members with invaluable knowledge and skills necessary for them to meet many of the challenges ahead.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is proud to have been considered as a collaborative partner in the development of this Food and Nutrition Handbook for Rural Youth Club Volunteer Leaders and wishes the venture, and our young Volunteers, every success.
Dr K.
Shangula
Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Health and Social
Services
Chairman,
National Food Security and Nutrition Council
