Priscilla Mukokobi
Spurred on by a burning desire to assist the Namibian youth to improve their lives for the better, local singer Patricia Ochurus started the ‘House of Culture’ project in 2006 when she was studying music in Europe.
On her return, the songbird, who is best known for her songs #Nu /Gôaros on the ‘/Khara /Kharasen’ album and Gospel songs ‘Jesutse’ and ‘Because He loves me’, registered her project in 2010 and approached many organisations and some individuals for proper directions on how to embark on this journey; unfortunately, she was discouraged by the same people she contacted.
“I didn’t do anything regarding this project after being discouraged, but deep down there was a burning desire to do it. I later gathered more information on how to go about my project and started little by little in Rehoboth some 3 or 4 years ago,” she said.
Now based in Windhoek, Ochurus explained the project was inspired by the number of unemployed youth in Namibia and mostly targets young people to whom she offers vocal training, Biblical studies “as in faith as the core”, counselling, and teaching them social skills, how to deal with and react to challenges at home and in their communities as well as their responsibilities at home and the community.
She also runs a feeding programme for the elderly and less fortunate and has, thus, far assisted seven homes in Rehoboth and three in Windhoek with the limited resources at her disposal.
Ohurus is also a dancer and plays the acoustic guitar and has built her career on her experiences over the years, hence her desire to plough back into the youth.
“As an artist by profession, I teach vocals to youth who are into music and I love doing that wholeheartedly – and the project is doing well. Some individuals came through,” she said.
Apart from vocal training, House of Culture further offers crafting and drama classes as well as drama at the Multi-purpose Youth Centre in Katutura every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The group of youngsters in the project now comprise 30.
Meanwhile, the project is gearing towards a show at the National Theatre of Namibia on 22 April during which the audience will be treated to choral performances and live bands.
In addition, the youth will be ministering through poetry, singing and creative dancing.
Musicians who will be present, supporting the youth on the day, are Ochurus, Jaliza, Moritz Haraseb and Sista Panna from Rehoboth.
Ochurus urged the public to come out in numbers to support the youth in ministering.
Ochurus, who is currently running the project alone, has since received invitations, requesting similar projects in Witvlei and Okombae districts, but funding is lacking.
Anyone willing to assist in whichever way can contact her on 0812599847.
- epicnakwezy@gmail.com