Art has the potential to tackle the unemployment rate in the country; therefore, there is a need to develop training centres across the country.
Philippe Talavera, who has been involved in art for change through the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO) with young people, says if art can receive the same priority as many other professions, it has the potential to tackle unemployment.
However, for that to happen, training platforms need to be created to equip artists.
Talavera says all humans have an art sense that can be exercised.
“We cannot underestimate the importance of investing in art because art is creativity, art is emotions, and art is a reflection of our society. In a country like Namibia, where we have so much youth unemployment, why not support the creative industry?”
OYO has been in existence for 26 years, and throughout the years, they have been using art to educate and bring about needed change in communities, especially among school-going children.
This they do through film, dance, print magazines, and visual art.
Creating awareness about HIV, gender-based violence, and teenage pregnancy, among others.
Despite challenges in funding, the organisation has proven its relevance by working with limited resources, which they mainly get through international donor funding.
The organisation will also be doing more roadshows this year.
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