By Koviao Matuzee
In many communities, young people are often spoken of as the future, but not always recognised as a force in the present. Across Namibia, that is slowly changing.
More and more young leaders are stepping up, not waiting for resources or recognition, but using what they already have to make a difference.
One of them is 25-year-old Tjiunatjo Nganjone, whose story shows that leadership is not about age, but about action. Raised between Windhoek and Okaundja village in the Otjozondjupa Region, Nganjone grew up experiencing two very different realities.
One exposed her to opportunities, while the other showed her the daily struggles many young people face. These experiences would later shape her purpose.
Now a final-year student studying Transport Management at the Namibian University of Science and Technology, her journey has not been straightforward. She has faced failure, setbacks and moments of uncertainty. Instead of letting those define her, she chose to confront them.
“I had to unlearn certain habits, step away from spaces that were not for me, and rebuild my discipline and mindset. More importantly, I worked on my mental health and gave my life to Christ, which changed everything for me.”
From that personal turning point, Orusuvero Charity Organization was born. Meaning “love” in her native language, the initiative is more than just charity, it reflects a belief that young people are not just recipients of change, but drivers of it.
Founded in 2024 together with the Okaundja Ketu Youth group, Orusuvero focuses on uplifting communities through practical support and encouragement. For Nganjone, leadership starts with seeing people and understanding their struggles.
“It was never about recognition. It is about reminding people that they are not alone and that their circumstances do not define their future.”
Through Orusuvero, that belief has already turned into action. The team has carried out outreach programmes at Okaepe Project School and Okamatapati Combined School in the Otjozondjupa region, providing sanitary pads, clothing and stationery to learners. Beyond the material support, they offer something just as important, hope and encouragement.
Nganjone believes the biggest challenge facing many young people is not a lack of potential, but a lack of support.
“I saw children missing out on education because of basic needs, and young people losing hope in themselves. I did not want to just feel sorry, I wanted to be part of the solution.”
Like many grassroots initiatives, the journey has not been easy. Limited resources remain a constant challenge, especially as she balances the work with being an unemployed student. There have also been moments where her vision was not fully understood or supported. Still, the impact she sees keeps her going.
“Not every space will open doors for you, but that should not stop you from walking in your purpose,” she says.
Looking ahead, she hopes to grow Orusuvero into a trusted platform that reaches more communities, especially in rural areas. Her goal is to build partnerships and create opportunities that go beyond once-off outreach programmes.
Through it all, her understanding of leadership has evolved. For her, it is not about authority, but about responsibility.
“It has taught me that you do not have to have everything figured out to start making a difference. Sometimes, purpose is found in the process. It can be something small, like a smile from a learner or a simple conversation. Those moments matter.” She added: “You do not have to be ready.
Do it afraid, do it uncertain. Growth happens along the way.”
As Orusuvero continues to grow, its message is clear. Young people have the power to shape their communities and uplift others and for Nganjone, this is only the beginning.
