2nd National Conference on Orphans and Other ... - FHI 360

Session chairperson Ulitala Hiveluah had the following few words to say before introducing the Deputy
Minister officially.
Chairperson’s introductory remarks
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am sure you will agree that the last three days have been challenging,
but that the information and experience we have gathered in this conference will go a long way
to enriching our efforts for OVC. This conference has been blessed with the participation of two
UNICEF regional experts who have shared with us their practical experience of what has worked
and what has failed. Let us draw on what they have told us so that we build something sustainable
and truly effective. I personally have found this a very informative and productive meeting and on
my own behalf I wish to thank all of you present.
Official closing address
and vote of thanks
Hon. Ms Marlene Mungunda
Deputy Minister of Women Affiars and Child Welfare
Director of Ceremonies, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and
Representatives of UN Agencies, Dignitaries from the regions and particularly the Regional
Governors, Members of the OVC <strong>Conference</strong> Task Force, Participants, Children’s Representatives,
Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen –
The Namibian nation said YES! to children by
adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of
the Child, and our brave nation has taken a giant
step further by designating 28 September as the
Day of the Namibian Child.
For every nation, every child is a precious
investment. Our children’s future is in our hands,
and we will one day have to account for what
we have done to give them food security, a safe
and secure shelter, quality education, protection
from abuse and crime, and very importantly, an
example of a moral lifestyle.
“Thank you” is a term used ordinarily; we
teach our children at a very young age to always
thank a person who has done them a good deed.
As a nation we will fail in our duty if we do not
extend our profound gratitude to the team whose
generous contributions helped us to make a
great success of this conference. The team
includes a variety of stakeholders, some of them
from across the globe. It is my humble honour
now to extend Namibia’s gratitude to the
following individuals, ministries and organisations
for their contributions:
The First Lady, Kovambo Nujoma, patron
of OVC and the entire team
The MoHSS, MWACW and MBESC
FHI, UNICEF, USAID and UNESCO
CAA, COLS, the Philippi Trust and Lifeline/
Childline
The Jan Möhr Secondary School Choir
We also thank with deep gratitude the members
of the OVCNSC, the OVC conference task force,
the chief social workers and the participating children
for their time, devotion and achievements.
<strong>2nd</strong> <strong>National</strong> <strong>Conference</strong> on Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children – Windhoek, Namibia, 25-27 June 2002: Full Report
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