AIDS deals harsh blows to societies. Take a look at Namibia: the virus is causing collective mourning and is punching a growing hole in the work force. The hope lies with the new generation of young people. They are the ones who must stem the tide of the disease through safe sex and rebuild their country. Ombetja Yehinga Organisation helps them to achieve this goal.
This Hivos partner does this primarily through organising expressive arts projects for youth, from dance performances to photo exhibitions – but also through its magazine OYO: Young, Latest and Cool. ‘Together these activities prove to be a good way to broach the subject of HIV and AIDS with young people,’ says Philippe Talavera, Director of Ombetja. ‘But the artistic projects and the magazine are also used to discuss other social issues, such as domestic violence, rape, and alcohol and drug abuse.’
‘We let them think about important issues such as discrimination, child rights and gender equality,’ Talavera continues. ‘And we teach them to express these thoughts in a creative way. With the knowledge and self reflection that the youths of all ages gain in this way, they can make sensible, well-considered choices that will decrease the HIV infections and improve life expectancy and the quality of life in Namibia.’
Hivos supports Ombetja because of its innovative use of art and media for public outreach, its training of teachers, its distribution of AIDS educational materials in schools and its distribution of condoms – but also because of its research into the relation between cultural patterns, sexuality and sexual behaviour in communities. This research provides tools to these communities for dealing with the social impact of the AIDS epidemic.
For Ombetja, HIV/AIDS is a problem that transcends the field of health care – like it is for Hivos, says Kwasi Boahene. ‘The consequences of HIV limit social and economic development,’ contends the Hivos employee. ‘Moreover, the fast spread is caused by structural poverty, social inequality and violations of universal human rights. In many countries there is a strong taboo around HIV, and socially weak groups have poor access to information. Especially women and girls, young people, sexual minorities and people in the countryside have an increased risk of infection. Hivos has been working on behalf of these vulnerable groups for many years now.’