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. 

 

PROJECTS & TOOLS

An overview of the 4 tools that we use to create projects among the youth in Namibia

  • OYO Magazine

    The ‘OYO, young, latest and cool’ magazine is the oldest OYO project. The first issue was produced in 2002. It started as a 4-page newsletter and is now a 73-page glossy magazine.

  • OYO Dance Troupe

    The OYO Dance Troupe is a branch of the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation Trust. Created in 2008, it followed on from the success of OYO’s production ‘The Namibian Odysseus’.

  • OYO Films

    Since 2006, OYO has produced various educational DVDs and developed a unique approach to inviting young people (18 to 23-year-old) and having them engage in writing workshops.

  • 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.

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