By Michael Liswaniso
OPUWO
Ombetja Yehinga Organization (OYO) officially unveiled its annual DVD programme here in Opuwo last week, Thursday evening.
The DVD, titled “Standing Together an OYO news Bulletin”, is a recap of OYO’s last year’s national tour of its youth groups from Opuwo, Anker and Karibib which was organized by OYO.
The 60-minute DVD show highlights issues surrounding HIV/AIDS, sexual violence and alcohol abuse, among others.
The tour that has become an annual event, accords youth group members from different towns the opportunity to work together and to share knowledge on facilitating on the scourge of HIV/AIDS, drama performance and work plan preparations, among others.
The youth groups who met in Eenhana, toured around the Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati. They were taught different dramas on HIV/AIDS, songs and exercising skills by a dance expert from the United Kingdom, Weike Evinga.
The unveiling of the DVD that took place at the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture’s hall, saw a substantial number of residents in attendance, mainly the youth and some officials from line ministries and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
According to Henry Muhimba, the regional head of OYO, the DVD is expected to be shown to other parts of the region.
“I am happy about the turn-out and we will definitely show the DVD to different schools in the region as well as the community at large,” assured Muhimba.
At the occasion, members of the Opuwo youth groups who featured in the DVD were awarded certificates and a copy of the DVD each.
“Being a member of the youth group has taught me a lot of things, and I would just like to request fellow residents and especially the youth to be responsible enough and avoid alcohol abuse that can lead to wrongdoings,” said Amos Nandinotya.
Sharing the same sentiments was Kunene’s Regional AIDS Coordinator, Charles Uarije, who pleaded to the gathering to always condomize or abstain, given the fact that the HIV/AIDS prevalence rates of the region are rather rising each day compared to the previous years.
“Please plough back into your respective communities the knowledge you have gained. The certificates you have received should not just be for decoration but rather a licence to do something,” stressed Uarije.
The national director of OYO, Philippe Talavera, was also present to grace the occasion.
OYO is a welfare organization that is involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS by using art as a prominent media tool to create awareness in society in an effort to change behavioural habits.