Our Stories
Fostering a Sense of Belonging Through Music: Youth Orchestras of Namibia
October 24, 2023
B2Gold is striking a positive note in Namibia – the site of our Otjikoto gold mine operation – by supporting the inspiring Youth Orchestras of Namibia (YONA) in their mission to transform the lives of Namibian youth through music education. Our Corporate Social Investment Strategy in Namibia focuses on several pillars, including education and culture, along with health, the environment, and small-business development.
YONA's main centre is based in the capital city of Windhoek, with two outreach programs in Katutura. The orchestras provide a stimulating and safe space for children to learn and grow, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting teamwork and work ethic.
Opening doors to music education for Namibian youth
Namibia has a rich cultural heritage, with music as a central part of its identity. Yet many Namibian children lack access to formal music education.
YONA is working hard to change this, one music program at a time. The group’s offerings are modeled after the world-renowned El Sistema movement – a publicly financed, voluntary-sector music education program founded in Venezuela in 1975 by educator, musician and activist José Antonio Abreu. YONA’s mission is to provide an intensive music program that develops a sense of belonging, teaches the importance of teamwork and a strong work ethic, and promotes self-confidence and good citizenship. The overarching principle is to advance children first, and music second.
The backbone of the YONA program comprises several orchestras:
- Early childhood: choirs, string, percussion and recorder orchestras
- Intermediate phase: string, woodwind and brass orchestras
- Advanced stage: symphony orchestra
Social and personal development through music
YONA’s impact is far-reaching. Some 70 per cent of its students are on full or 50 per cent scholarship sponsorships from B2Gold Namibia and other donors. These scholarships are critical to YONA’s success, as they provide access to music education for children who would otherwise not have the opportunity.
The positive effects of YONA’s program can be seen in the lives of its students. Student Ben, who has cerebral palsy, and has found a sense of belonging and purpose through playing the violin and flute. Despite his physical challenges, he is one of YONA’s best students, as well as a natural teacher and mentor to younger students. Denver, another student who discovered his passion for music through YONA, is now the program’s most skilled violinist.
YONA Director Gretel Coetzee emphasizes that YONA’s primary focus is the all-round development of the children, with music education as the secondary focus. YONA’s program not only provides an intensive music curriculum but also fosters a sense of community, teamwork, and work ethic. Through music education, YONA promotes social and personal development, and nurtures the talent and potential of Namibia’s future leaders.
We believe YONA deserves a huge round of applause – and an encore – for its incredible contribution to the lives of Namibian children.
