Rob Youth Foundation empowers next generation of leaders
Robert Maseka’s Rob Youth Foundation is turning volunteers into leaders, ensuring that young people gain real-world skills they can use in their careers.
The Rob Youth Foundation Namibia is a youth-led non-profit organisation that empowers young people and supports community development across several countries.
Founded in 2019 and fully operational from 2022, the foundation runs projects in all 14 regions of Namibia and has expanded into Botswana, South Africa and Kenya. Its work spans health, education, agriculture, humanitarian support, environmental care and sports.
The organisation is led by Robert Maseka, its founder and managing member. Originally from Mbwata village in Kavango East, Maseka says his work is driven by a strong belief in service and youth leadership.
“I am passionate about advocating for youth development in Namibia and across the African continent,” he says. “Young people need opportunities to grow and to prepare for the future.”
From the start, the foundation was designed to give young people real responsibility.
Volunteers work in structured roles such as regional managers, public relations officers and project coordinators. “We professionally run the organisation, even though most of us are volunteers,” Maseka explains. “This helps young people gain skills they can use in their careers.”
Impacting lives
The foundation also works closely with corporate, government and international partners. Corporate partners include Sanlam Namibia, which supported the donation of mattresses to Engela State Hospital.
The Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology partnered with the initiative to help renovate Katutura State Hospital. Other partners include SBS Trucking, Wutow Trading, Sheet Street Ondangwa and the University of Johannesburg.
Government and institutional partners include the Ministry of Education, the German Embassy, UNFPA, the City of Windhoek, and the International Peace Youth Group. Since 2023, the foundation has also worked as an implementing partner for Namclear’s corporate social responsibility programme.
“Through this partnership, more than 2 000 lives have been impacted across the country,” Maseka says.
Looking ahead, the foundation plans to expand youth peace dialogues, agricultural projects and skills-building programmes. “I want to leave a legacy of service and opportunity,” Maseka says. “A future where young people are ready to lead in their communities and in the workplace.”
