LifeLine/Childline celebrates 45 years of impacting lives
Voices heard, lives cSuicides
Vice President Lucia Witbooi has hailed LifeLine/Childline Namibia as a “beacon of hope” for thousands of Namibians, marking the organisation’s 45th anniversary in Windhoek last week.Celebrated under the theme “Voices Heard, Lives Changed – 45 Years of Hope”, the event honoured decades of work in child protection, mental health support, and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention.
Witbooi praised the organisation’s tireless commitment to vulnerable communities, saying it had “stood as a refuge” for children, survivors of violence, and those struggling with mental health challenges since its founding in 1980.
“For 45 years, LifeLine/Childline has brought hope, compassion, and resilience to our people,” Witbooi said, commending its volunteers for their “spirit of service” and dedication.
She highlighted the impact of the 116 Child Helpline and 106 GBV Helpline, which operate 24/7 to provide counselling, guidance, and referrals to thousands of Namibians each year. Witbooi said the services had become lifelines for many facing crises, particularly in remote areas where access to formal support remains limited.
Utani Radio
Witbooi also lauded the organisation’s youth initiatives, including Utani Radio, which gives young people a platform to discuss empowerment and social issues.
She noted that ICT minister Emma Theofelus began her public journey as a youth presenter on the station, proof, she said, that “when young voices are heard, lives can change”.
Despite progress, Witbooi warned that Namibia still faces “the painful reality” of rising gender-based violence, suicide, and mental health struggles, particularly among youth.
She urged stronger partnerships between government and civil society to confront these challenges.
Suicide
Board Chairperson Webster Gonzo said LifeLine/Childline’s longevity is rooted in its relevance and responsiveness to community needs.
He described the organisation as one of the government’s closest non-governmental partners, working alongside ministries of health, education, gender, ICT, and safety.
“When you talk about psychosocial services or gender issues in Namibia, you think of LifeLine/Childline,” Gonzo said, adding that the organisation’s volunteers and counsellors “are the heart of its success”.
He acknowledged the country’s alarming suicide rate, pledging that the organisation would continue to support government efforts to reverse the trend.
Gonzo also paid tribute to the late Dr Nickey Iyambo, former Vice President and long-time patron of LifeLine/Childline, for his guidance and advocacy.
Education deputy minister Dino Ballotti described the anniversary as a “sapphire milestone” symbolising wisdom and resilience. He said LifeLine/Childline’s work in schools and communities has helped nurture safer, more compassionate environments for children.
As celebrations concluded, Witbooi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working hand in hand with the organisation to build a society where “every voice is heard and every life valued”. “Congratulations on 45 years of hope,” she said. “May the next 45 shine even brighter.”