We’re for Namibians: Agnes Shivute

For Agnes Shekupe Shivute, Namibia’s natural beauty has always told a story. From the mountains of the south to the trees and vegetation of the north, her journey across two very different landscapes shaped the way she sees the world and, ultimately, the work she wants to do.

Born in Onawa, at Okafitu Kakamba Village in the Anamulenge Constituency of the Omusati Region, Agnes was raised in Rosh Pinah in the Karas Region. She attended Hoeksteen Primary School before completing her secondary education at P. K. de Villiers Secondary School in Keetmanshoop. Her academic journey later took her to the University of Namibia, where she graduated in Environmental Studies and developed a keen interest in Namibia’s indigenous plants.

It was here that she recognised a gap in conservation education: while much attention goes to wildlife, the plants that shape Namibia’s landscapes, sustain livelihoods and form part of our cultural heritage often receive less attention.

Agnes saw an opportunity to change that.

Through Native Leaves, she brings indigenous plants closer to young Namibians with simple, interactive, educational booklets that encourage children to colour, explore and learn. Her first booklet introduces children to Namibia’s indigenous plants, opening the door to conversations about their importance, their uses and why they deserve to be protected.

“One indigenous plant at a time for the kids” is the thinking behind her work.

The idea began as a dream of creating a children’s book series, with each book dedicated to a different indigenous plant. When financial constraints made that vision difficult to pursue, Agnes adapted her approach. She recognised that children learn best when curiosity and fun come together, and the interactive booklet became a practical first step towards a much bigger ambition.

What makes Native Leaves special is its focus on a part of Namibia’s natural heritage that is often overlooked in children’s learning materials. For Agnes, wildlife is not only about animals. It is also about the Welwitschia, the baobab, the !nara and the many other indigenous plants that define our landscapes and connect us to our identity, traditions and livelihoods.

Her vision extends beyond the pages of a booklet. Agnes is preparing to take her passion into classrooms through the Indigenous Plants Environmental Education Program (IPEEP), an outreach initiative approved for Grade 11 and 12 learners in the Omusati Region. The programme aims to raise awareness about indigenous plants, explore their importance and uses, and introduce learners to locally made products derived from these natural resources. A planned seed-collection and seedbanking phase will also contribute to future reforestation efforts.