Give young people room to fail, Geingos says

Former first lady Monica Geingos has called for greater tolerance for failure among young people and youth-led organisations, saying mistakes can become opportunities to learn and improve.

Speaking at the #BeFree BigTalk 2026 in Windhoek on Friday, Geingos said not every youth organisation would succeed on its first attempt and young people should be given the opportunity to rethink their approaches and try again.

“We must have some tolerance for failure of youth organisations,” she said.

Geingos said this tolerance should not extend to failures involving integrity or wrongdoing, though.

She said young people should be allowed to learn from unsuccessful initiatives and “pivot” from what worked and what did not.

“We must give you another chance,” she said.

Geingos also said institutions should be willing to extend grace to young people who make mistakes but are prepared to learn from them.

She said young people need people who can tell them when they are wrong while still helping them find a better path.

Member of parliament Willem Amutenya said young people must also be prepared to take responsibility for leadership and to support those already entrusted with leading.

“Are we ready to lead? And are we ready to support those that are leaders?” he asked.

Commonwealth Youth Council Africa regional representative Rosy Shaneck said leadership should not be reduced to holding a title.

She said young people should focus on how they carry out responsibilities entrusted to them.

Shaneck encouraged young people to continue empowering others regardless of whether they hold formal leadership positions.

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