Staff Reporter
THE former First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, through her organisation, the One Economy Foundation, hosted the 9th Annual Fundraising Soirée themed “Moulding the Future, Hand in Hand.” The event brought together new and existing stakeholders, was attended by 500 people, and raised N$4,587,761.
This year’s theme, “SHAPE: Moulding the Future, Hand in Hand,” underscores the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing young Namibians and providing them with the tools, opportunities, and resources they need to reach their full potential.
Ileni Hitula, Head of Communications at the One Economy Foundation, explained that this year’s theme reflects the Foundation’s mission to highlight the power of investment in Namibian youth and to craft intergenerational relationships.
Hitula noted that over the past eight years, the Foundation has successfully convened more than 3,920 guests at its fundraisers, facilitating discourse around topical issues of social inequality, economic empowerment, and youth development.
Monica Geingos, Founder & Executive Chairperson of the One Economy Foundation, highlighted that to date, they have over 4,600 members at the #BeFree Youth Campus, of whom 250 visit the campus daily.
Geingos thanked the Foundation’s stakeholders for walking this journey with her, from an idea formed through discussions with young people to a tangible dream—the #BeFree Youth Campus.
The former First Lady stated that the funds raised will directly support the One Economy Foundation’s programmes and the #BeFree Youth Campus, expanding the campus’s capacity to accommodate more young people through Phase 2, which is currently under construction.
She added that pledges and in-kind donations from this year’s soirée will directly translate into a brighter future for thousands of young Namibians, shaping them into confident and collaborative youth leaders.
In her welcoming remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the One Economy Foundation, Uajorokisa Karuaihe, highlighted some of the ground-breaking work being done at the #BeFree Youth Campus, such as reproductive health, psychosocial services, and empowering programmes that upskill young people.
“As we look forward to Phase 2 of the #BeFree Youth Campus, we envision the construction of a Skill-Up Lab, where entrepreneurship and practical skills converge to pave the way for meaningful careers. This is not just a plan but a tangible step towards empowering our youth to build a brighter future. Tonight, we gather not just to celebrate but to reflect on the transformative power of investment in youth development,” Uajorokisa said.
