YDF in Namibia: opening up opportunities for children
Namibia is a country in sub-Saharan Africa with a population of 2,1
million. It is estimated to be one of the most sparsely populated
countries on the continent, with an average population density of 2.5
persons per square kilometre. Namibia's landscapes are known for being
starkly contrastive in nature and are defined by an inhospitable mix of
scrubland, mountains and majestic sand dunes. Owing to the country's
rich diamond and mineral deposits, it is classified as an upper- to
middle-income country by international standards. Despite this good
economic status, an estimated 50 per cent of the population is
unemployed and lives below the poverty line. Namibia also faces the
challenge of having one of the highest HIV-prevalence rates in
sub-Saharan Africa: varying dramatically between the regions, this
ranges from around 4 per cent in the area of Windhoek to 30 per cent in
the northern parts. The north of Namibia is defined by a lack of
infrastructure. In these areas in particular, very few activities are
offered for young girls and boys, and many teenagers in this region
suffer from a lack of prospects.
A fruitful cooperation
In order to generate future prospects for Namibian youths, YDF, GIZ
in Namibia, the Namibia Football Association (NFA) and the Goethe Centre
in Windhoek embarked on a close partnership to start the YDF programme
in Namibia. The three partners stage encounters for children in football
clubs all over the country with a focus on life-skills education, the
implementation of youth leagues and coach training.
In September
2009, the Youth Development through Football project kicked off its
activities with a large opening ceremony in Windhoek's township of
Katutura. The event was supported and organised by the Goethe Centre in
Windhoek. The official YDF theme song 'Free' was performed by
award-winning Namibian musician Gazza, together with Namibian singer
Tequila. Local designers who created a YDF fashion line showcased their
products with a fashion show.
Since then, the Namibia Football
Association (NFA) has implemented the toolkit programme on YDF's behalf.
NFA is one of the architects of Namibian football and also works in
close partnership with the German Football Association (DFB). With YDF's
support it sets up football clubs, recruiting members among socially
disadvantaged children, and trains coaches in schools. YDF Youth Leagues
are established in nine of the thirteen regions, six of which also
contain girls' leagues. From 2010 onwards, the YDF programme will cover
virtually all the primary schools in Windhoek. In addition, toolkit
training will be implemented in the other regions of Namibia.
Motivating young people
The problem of a lack of prospects and self-esteem among teenagers is
addressed, among others, in motivational workshops. These promote the
idea of football as a means to discovering one's strengths and to facing
problems and dangers with greater self-confidence. The workshops also
focus on topics such as HIV/AIDS prevention and education, in addition
to conflict-resolution mechanisms in cooperation with the Namibian
police and the Ministry of Information. They will be maintained in 2011.