HIV/Aids Africa

She wants to take technology to rural schools,
says Leefa Shiikwa who was crowned Miss Namibia 2005 recently. She emphasised
her desire and willingness to work with the youth, especially orphans, as she
regards the youth as ?the foundation of every nation?. Leefa is currently busy
with her exams as a final (third year) Business Administration student at the
Polytechnic of Namibia.Leefa comes from a huge family in a village near Oshakati
and is convinced that growing up with such a big family means ? ? you learn
pretty fast about the importance of women in families, society, communities and
business?. This is one of the reasons why she wants to focus her attention on
the ?strong and determined women? and their children in rural Namibia. According
to her, working with the youth and trying to help them achieve their goals in
life has always been one of her aspirations. Being there for the youth, helping
them, guiding them and making them aware of various issues in life. Leefa said
that she will be approaching various businesses to ask them to help out the
youth with sponsorships of school fees etc.She is going to target all the youth,
and will not only focus on one region but the entire country, identify their
problems and try to assist them in finding ways of working out their problems.?I
will utilise this unique opportunity in my life and Telecom Namibia’s
sponsorship to the best of my abilities?, she said at the recent signing of a
sponsorship agreement with Telecom.According to Franz Ndoroma, Telecom’s
Managing Director, there are some similarities between Miss Namibia and Telecom.
They are that ?Miss Namibia touches the lives of many Namibians across all
boundaries of race, color, cultural and political beliefs, and among the old and
young of the country?.He also added that former winners of the crown had proven
to be worthy winners and ambassadors of the nation both nationally and
internationally.Leefa’s message to the youth out there is to know that education
is the key to each and every door. She is urging the youth to try and perform
well and learn to balance things. And, like Ndoroma said, the former Miss
Namibia winners had made numerous efforts at aleviating the plight of the poor.
They had stood firmly behind the worthy causes of the less priviledged youth and
had supported members of society who are physically challanged or suffering from
HIV/AIDS.Telecom sponsored Miss Namibia 2005 with N$55 000 and this amount
includes some of the production and advertising costs during the pageant. The
bulk of the sponsorship will be used to cover Miss Namibia’s legal entry fees
and travelling costs to the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants later in the
year.