By Sabina Elago
WINDHOEK– The Gobabis-based Izak Buys Junior Secondary School has won the Social Engagement Trophy for its a very strong stand in the fight against gender-based violence in the Omaheke region.
Twelve schools in the region joined the (OYO) Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO) Trust, in collaboration with the CSO Foundation of Namibia and the European Union to embark in a campaign to sensitise the younger generation on GBV through OYO’s Social Engagement Trophy. To win the trophy, schools had to come up with a series of two boards with powerful messages encouraging learners and their parents to sign commitment forms to commit themselves to end GBV in their region. Izak Buys Junior Secondary School won a trophy. They presented a relevant set of boards with high artistic qualities and a very strong message, together with information about the referral system and the record 934 commitment forms which it collected.
The runner up was the Otjinene-based Gustav Kandji Secondary School while the third place went to the Nossobville Primary School. “It was fascinating to see the commitment and dedication of both schools and learners. They really took on the issue seriously. What touched me most was that, in many schools, boys actually took part in the painting competition. It is of utmost importance to engage boys in such work, encourage them not to become the perpetrators of violence. The Omaheke region youth are definitively leading by example,” said Phillip Talavera, OYO’s Director.
Cecilia Petrus, OYO Operations Manager, when handing over the trophy, said they wanted to focus on young people they are the ones who can make a difference. The Erongo and Karas regions can expect the same project this year.