WINDHOEK (Namibia) - The Basketball Artists School (BAS) in Katutura, a Township of Windhoek Namibia provides a safe place for less-privileged youths to go to after school and get support in their studies along with basketball training, showing a perfect example of using Basketball For Good. The Foundation has been supporting BAS for the past 4 years.

These past few weeks, BAS has completed two-weeks of intensive courses designed to set a tone for skills training and development for their beneficiaries. The purpose is to ensure that the BAS children are equipped with various technical skills to enhance their confidence and prepare them for the future.

“I have discovered a new interest in photography and Photoshop” explained Rachel Tjite, 14 years old.

By teaching the youths diverse technical skills, BAS hopes to light an interest and passion in certain subjects that will then allow them to become self-sufficient.  The facilitators of the first-ever skills training program are professionals or have a high level of skills in their respective fields.  

The beneficiaries range from grades 5 – 12 (10 to 18 years old), as well as some former beneficiaries who are searching for opportunities.

The trainings were in various fields:

• Videography
• Premiere Pro (other video editing software)
• Photography
• Photoshop (other photo editing software)
• Sewing
• Social Media Marketing
• Digital Literacy
• Coding

 Each youth selected two or more skills of their choosing and the facilitator advised on a post curriculum that will be used to continue training for continuous practice and growth.

The tasks were monitored and evaluated by the tutors, participants had the opportunities to practice and apply their acquired skills by doing practical exercises.

“I have discovered new things like coding, sewing and photography, this made me happy and will help me in my future” said Rudolf Nuuyoma, 16 years old.