OYO Youth Groups

OYO has since 2006 been working with unemployed out-of-school youth groups and trained them in theatre, dancing and singing. Training is always done under a specific theme relevant to the youth of Namibia, such as HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy. All training in the said disciplines include information and awareness on the theme.

Once trained, usually over a period of five weeks, the youth are ready to present their performances. OYO then organises regional tours for them to perform in schools. The idea is not only to share the fruit of their work but also to promote their self-esteem. They can be seen as role models, which can also help them understand their worthiness and succeed in life. For many young people, the youth groups are a platform for them to identify and address personal issues before moving on and prospering in life. Activities in training and performing encourage participants to return to education or find a job. The certificate of participation awarded at the end of a project has assisted participants in securing a job.

In 2017 OYO supported youth groups in:

• The Ohangwena Region: the Ohangwena San youth group (with support from the Embassy of Finland)
• The Omaheke Region: Drimiopsis San youth group (with support from the Embassy of Finland)
• The Karas Region: Koes youth group (with support from Horizon) and Bethanie youth group (with support from the FNB foundation)
• The Khomas Region: Windhoek youth group (with support from UNAIDS)

Past groups that benefited from OYO’s work include those in Rundu, Grootfontein, Gobabis, Walvis Bay, Henties Bay, Uis, Keetmanshop, Eenhana, Oukongo, Ondobe and Outapi.