Dreams Of A Conscious Millennial Poem by Leena Amwaalwa

While I'm young, I want to serve my nation and impose the changes
that I want to see.
While I'm young, I want to see to it that every child gets an education
and goes on to lead a fruitful life.
The accessible, affordable and life-changing education that unlock
opportunities.
You see, the quality, inclusive education that embraces the slow
learner and nurtures the fast learner.

While I'm young, I want to see a Namibia equipped with accessible public
healthcare facilities and professional healthcare workers.
I want to see affordable, equitable and sustainable public healthcare services.
I want to see zero maternal deaths and I yearn to see a society where
mental health awareness is part of our daily lives.

While I'm young, I want to enforce equality and see a society where
people's somebodiness matters more than their social standing.
While I'm young, I want to see the spirit of ubuntu at work.
I want to see people involved in decisions that concern their lives
and I want to see youth empowerment.
I want to see a Namibia where all are truly equal before the law
and I want to see a society where all are enjoying fundamental
human rights and freedoms.

You see, while I'm young, I want to see a society where women are
equal partners at the table of discussions.
I want to see a girl child embraced just as much as the boy child.
I yearn to see a society that stands against abuse, a Namibia that
says no to sexual and gender-based violence.

While I'm young, I want to see sustainable cities and communities
made up of decent housing with clean running water and the
provision of basic sanitation needs.
I want to see robust climate actions.
You see, the use of clean and natural energies.
In fact, I want to see this scorching sun put to good use!

I want to see a Namibia where there's no poverty, a nation where there's
equal distribution of resources.
I want to see a nation where corruption is a taboo.
I want to see communities standing up against social ills and I want to see
people genuinely holding hands.
While I'm young, I want to see zero hunger in Namibia.
I want to see investment in agriculture and food production.
I yearn to see a Namibia that eats what it produces.
You see, I want to see decent work where minimum wage is not only
on paper but in workplaces too.
I want to see enterprising business entities, industries and production
hubs for national economic advancement purposes.

While I'm young, I want to see rhinoceros with their horns intact.
I want to see pangolins safe in the wilderness and I want to see zero
game poaching.
I want to see every tree being cut replaced by two and I yearn to see
our marine resources flourishing.

You see, while I'm young, I want to build bridges and not borders.
I want to live to see an Africa where we are all one big happy family
that is yet to meet.
I hope this poem is just the beginning.