Kröhne inspires Tses learners

The St. Therese Secondary School at Tses was abuzz with excitement when Gaudentia Kröhne, the Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, returned to her roots to deliver a motivational speech at the "Footsteps to Success" engagement.


Kröhne shared her journey from Tses to the halls of the Namibian Parliament during the event aimed at inspiring learners through storytelling, reflection, and support. Chairman of the Tses Village Council, Julian Christiaan, opened the event with a reminder of the bright and talented young people from Tses and urged the community to support their dreams. Cherizaan Willemse, the Senior Operations Manager at the One Economy Foundation, introduced the #BeFree Movement and highlighted its spirit of radical listening, healing, and youth-led change.


Commenting on an article published in the New Era on 30 April 2025, titled "From Tses Ghettos to Parliament," Kröhne said that its purpose was to highlight the power of possibilities rather than seeking fame. She shared details of her upbringing in what many call a shack but what they used to refer to as ‘Khaya’, a home without running water or a toilet. Kröhne recounted how she fetched water from the river, a testament to her humble beginnings, and expressed immense pride in her origins.


Life lessons - Her speech culminated in four key life lessons, hard-earned truths that propelled her journey. “Your background is not your limit. I came from what many call 'the ghetto,' but that never defined me. I decided to rise. And every step I took forward was a step of purpose. You don’t need perfect circumstances, you only need a decision to grow," she motivated the learners. She also encouraged them to lead from where they are and to be intentional. “Make an impact regardless of formal titles. Leadership is service, and service is leadership. Set goals and plan. I wrote down my goals as a teenager, many of which materialised because they were seeds planted in the soil of my future," Kröhne said.


She called on the learners to protect their vision and stressed the importance of mindful choices, surrounding oneself with positive influences, and dedicating time and energy to studies. "Protect your future like it’s sacred because it is," Kröhne emphasised. The deputy minister concluded her address with an activity titled "Letter to My Future Self,” through which she encouraged the learners to write boldly and dream without limits, calling it "not just an activity. It is a visionary contract." "I learnt that where you come from shouldn't determine what you want to become in the future," remarked the head girl of St. Therese Secondary School, Grace Kazombiaze.


Kröhne also announced a donation by the One Economy Foundation. “Novanam initiated this engagement. It consists of 100 stationery packs for the Grade 11 learners and blankets to the school, generously sponsored by Oranjemund Private School and Hochland Roundtable.”


Diarorra van Stade, the Acting Principal of St. Therese Secondary School, extended heartfelt appreciation to the #BeFree Movement for their commitment to the youth of Tses. “Honourable Kröhne’s return to her alma mater served as a reminder that with resilience, intentionality, and belief, dreams nurtured in the smallest of villages can indeed reach the highest echelons of influence. Her story is a beacon of hope, inspiring a new generation to embrace their roots and soar beyond perceived limitations,” said Ileni Hitula, the One Economy Foundation Senior Manager for Communications and Media.