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Nawa 13 |
Oct 28 2002 |
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YOUNG PEOPLE PRODUCE FIVE VIDEO CLIPS ON HIV/AIDS
 Namibia has one of the highest world`s HIV/AIDS prevalence rates. A number of local groups have emerged to help stem the spread of the disease, and to help those infected and affected by the disease to deal with its consequences. Among these groups, Ombetja Yehinga (The Red Ribbon) is not only one of the most active, it is one of the most innovative. Initiated under the auspices of the Kunene Regional Council "to help youth take better care of themselves,"the group has been operating in all secondary schools in Kunene since January 2001. |
It uses visual and performing arts to communicate messages and generate discussion about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention, and to convey messages that seek to destigmatize HIV/AIDS. Through their work, group members themselves become more aware of the disease, ways to prevent it, and the need to accept and care for those who have been infected. Specifically, Ombetja Yehinga publishes a regular newsletter that is noteworthy for its colorful, eye-catching lay-out; has published a book that includes beautiful photographs of Kunene youth and poignant poetry written by the youth; and, most recently, has completed a series of entertaining but message-laden music video clips. Members of Ombetja Yehinga also perform their poems and songs.
"The Days are so Long"
Out there, somewhere, alone and frightened
Oh the darkness, the days are so long
Life in hiding
No more nurturing new contacts
No more loving arms around my neck
Take my hand I am tired and lonely
Give me love, give me hope
Don’t desert me, don’t reject me
All I need is love and understanding
Let’s be open, advise the youth
A young generation to protect and love
See them singing, playing, laughing
Let’s give them everything in truth and love
Take my hand
I’m tired and lonely
Give me love, give me hope
Don’t desert me, don’t reject me
by members of the AIDS Awareness Club
Outjo Secondary School
USAID is pleased to be able to support the creative, high quality work of Ombetja Yehinga and commends the work of Philippe Talavera and the Kunene Regional Council in bringing the group together and guiding its activities. |
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HIV/AIDS WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION
 The Namibia Youth HIV/AIDS Website Development Competition, organized by the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED) and SchoolNet Namibia, with support from USAID, was concluded on September 27, 2002. The purpose of the competition was to heighten HIV/AIDS awareness through the involvement of youth in developing and disseminating appropriate messages that target their peers through a highly accessible, non-threatening, and user-friendly website.
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Thirteen schools (2 private and 11 public schools) submitted their draft websites to the reviewing committee during the first round. The committee then provided each participating school with suggested improvements. The final 8 website submissions demonstrated innovation and vision, the learners using exciting and creative ways of communication, e.g. poems, personal messages and quizzes to bring their message across. They led the research which took the form of peer and community interviews and, in some cases, used school-wide competitions to generate information.
A five point evaluation rubric was used to judge each of the websites - content, presentation, technique & technical quality, innovation & integration and overall impression of the website. Each of the five successful entrants was given a full desktop computer for their school. Their websites will be linked to the NIED website and NIED will assist with marketing the websites.
The learners expressed their appreciation for the opportunity they were given through this exercise to convey the HIV/AIDS message in their own way, commenting that none of them had prior experience and had never imagined that they would be involved in developing websites. They were clearly enthusiastic about their products and have learned at a lot about HIV/AIDS and sexuality through their involvement in the competition. Some indicated that they will definitely take part in similar future exercises with confidence because they now possess the necessary skills and knowledge to develop websites. |
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