The Energy of Art: Why OYO Should Be Saved – Way of life

For greater than twenty years, the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO) has been a driving drive for change in Namibia, utilizing the humanities as a software to teach and empower younger individuals.

What started in 2001 within the Kunene area as a small, localised venture shortly proved to be an modern and highly effective mannequin for elevating consciousness on important social points. The demand for OYO’s work grew quickly, resulting in its official registration as a welfare organisation in 2002 and its growth into new areas the next yr.

Since then, OYO has operated in areas throughout Namibia, however by no means unexpectedly – it’s merely not possible. Instead, the organisation strikes strategically, bringing its impactful programmes to totally different elements of the nation over time. Through dance, movie, theatre and visible storytelling, OYO has influenced optimistic change within the lives of younger individuals within the totally different communities it has labored in.

Despite its success, OYO now faces one in all its largest challenges but – a sudden freeze in donor funding that threatens to halt its work. With 60% of its price range gone in a single day, the organisation is asking on the general public to assist be sure that its highly effective message continues to achieve the younger individuals who want it most.

UNIQUE APPROACH TO SOCIAL CHANGE

At the guts of OYO’s mission is the assumption that artwork has the ability to encourage motion. The organisation makes use of dance, movie, comedian books, images and theatre to deal with important points affecting Namibian youth, together with HIV-AIDS, gender-based violence, human rights and teenage being pregnant.

“OYO is unique because we use professional art to engage young people,” says OYO founder and director Philippe Talavera.

“Art appeals to emotions, and when you feel something, you are more likely to react and integrate the information.”

Instead of counting on conventional instructional strategies, OYO delivers its messages by way of a number of inventive mediums, guaranteeing that studying is participating and impactful. A pupil would possibly watch a robust dance efficiency sooner or later, then see a thought-provoking movie the following, adopted by an artwork competitors reinforcing the identical themes. This layered method ensures that key messages resonate deeply.

REAL IMPACT ON YOUNG LIVES

OYO’s success isn’t just theoretical – it’s measurable within the lives it has modified. Over the years, the organisation has helped numerous younger individuals keep in class, overcome trauma and uncover their abilities.

“When we go to schools, we don’t just present a performance and leave. We facilitate discussions and offer direct psychosocial support through youth counsellors,” Talavera says. “Some students feel safe enough to share personal experiences, and when that happens, we make sure they get the help they need.”

One such success story is Alejandro Cooper, a younger actor who began his journey with OYO. In 2023, he received the Strategic Award for finest younger African actor — an achievement that showcases how OYO nurtures younger expertise whereas addressing social points.

“OYO has helped young people realise their potential, and it has kept many from dropping out of school. We’ve even helped students who had already left school to return,” Talavera provides.

Over the years, OYO has not solely made an affect domestically but additionally gained worldwide recognition. The OYO Dance Troupe has represented Namibia on prestigious world phases, performing in international locations such because the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States, utilizing dance to spark important conversations about social points.

In addition to stay performances, OYO has additionally ventured into filmmaking, producing award-winning movies that deal with urgent subjects reminiscent of HIV-AIDS, gender-based violence and LGBTQI+ rights. Notably, movies like ‘Kukuri’ and ‘Kapana’ have acquired worldwide nominations and received accolades.

DEVASTATING FUNDING CUTS

Despite its affect, OYO now faces a important funding disaster. The organisation has by no means been a direct recipient of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding, but it surely has labored below contracts with establishments that depend on such help. When the Trump administration froze international help, these contracts have been abruptly cancelled, leaving OYO with no main supply of funding.

“This came as a complete shock,” says Talavera. “There was no warning. We were not given time to plan. One day the funds were there, and the next day they were gone.”

The cuts have compelled OYO to halt important programmes, significantly these specializing in HIV-AIDS schooling – a subject that is still pressing, particularly since Covid-19 diverted consideration away from HIV consciousness lately.

Beyond programme disruptions, the funding loss threatens the livelihoods of OYO’s artists, educators and counsellors, a lot of whom have devoted their careers to serving Namibian youth.

OYO NEEDS SUPPORT

Like many non-governmental organisations (NGOs), OYO is donor-dependent. It supplies free companies to varsities and communities, that means it doesn’t generate earnings the way in which a enterprise would. This monetary mannequin makes it weak to shifts in donor priorities.

“The discussion on how NGOs can become self-sustainable has been ongoing for years,” Talavera notes. “But the reality is, we are not selling a service – we are providing one. Expecting schools to pay for our work is unrealistic. Without donor support, it is difficult for organisations like OYO to survive.”

To climate the present disaster, OYO has launched a crowdfunding marketing campaign, calling on its supporters – people, companies, and establishments – to contribute no matter they will. Support can be proven through PayToday or EFT, with extra info on the verified social media pages of OYO and that of the director, Talavera.

“We are asking those who believe in our work to help us get through the next few months while we wait for new funding proposals to be approved,” Talavera says. “We have spent the last 20 years making a difference, and now we need our community to help us continue.”

CIVIL SOCIETY’S ROLE IN NAMIBIA

Beyond OYO’s fast battle, its scenario displays a broader challenge going through civil society in Namibia.

“NGOs play a critical role,” says Talavera.

“We bring voices from the ground to policymakers, advocating for those who might not otherwise be heard. Without strong civil society organisations, many pressing social issues would go unaddressed.”

The lack of organisations like OYO wouldn’t simply affect the younger individuals who depend on their programmes – it might additionally weaken Namibia’s social material.