Each year OYO invites the groups it has worked with to take part in the OYO festival. The OYO festival is a gathering of young people who have worked in different communities towards a common performance. They have learnt the same drama, songs and dances, yet also have their own material. It is an opportunity for the youth involved to learn from one another, share and perform together. 17 youth from Opuwo, 13 from Khorixas, 10 from Uis and 7 from Arandis attended.
This year youths were invited from the Opuwo, Khorixas, Uis and Arandis youth groups. They met in Ongwediva on 09 September. Under the direction of Philippe Talavera, they rehearsed on 09, 10, 11 and 12 September to prepare a combined performance. OYO had invited cameraperson Johan Nel to record the process. P. Talavera took this chance to also record the various dances, songs and drama parts.
 On 12 September the group was ready to have its first show at Toivo ya Toivo. Everybody was excited to finally be presenting the work. The group was extremely well received at the school and learners adored the show. As soon as they saw OYO arriving, learners stormed to the hall. It was clear from the first show that the message was clear and the audience enjoyed the performance.
The group then toured Oshana and Ohangwena regions from 12 to 18 September, reaching 7333 learners, 72 teachers and 878 community members. They presented their shows in schools and communities. They also had a chance to perform for the Oluno Rehabilitation Centre to a group of inmates. OYO feels it is important to perform in rehabilitation centres since inmates at such centres are about to be released. They need to be informed about what is happening in their community. The show at Oluno was a great success.
This year festival was very well received. Learners at the schools visited concurred with us: the youth rocked their regions!
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