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.