Capricorn Foundation supports rural artisans
Foundation shows support with a hefty donation to Omba Arts Trust
The Capricorn Foundation extended a helping hand to rural San artisans through the donation of N$120 000 to the Omba Arts Trust in Windhoek.The trust is a non-profit, fair-trade social enterprise that has been supporting over 450 rural artisans in nine regions for over 30 years.
Given that Namibia is a large country with a small population, challenges arise in providing necessary support to artisans, especially those living in remote and rural areas of the country.
These artisans include Ju/’hoansi,!Xung and Hei//omn San, who live on resettlement farms in the Omaheke and Ohangwena regions.
Built on trust
The Omba Arts Trust strives to support the sustainable livelihoods and resilience of economically disadvantaged rural artisans in Namibia through developing and marketing iconic handicrafts as well as contemporary San art.
\"Our long-developed partnership with the artisans has been built on trust, and the support from the Capricorn Foundation empowers us to uphold that trust and our objective to back the artisans. We recognise the challenges faced in many of our artisans’ communities, which is why we have incorporated initiatives such as gardening projects, education of our artisans\' children and their health and wellbeing,\" said Karin le Roux, director of Omba Arts Trust.
In line with the Namibian government\'s policies on arts and culture, the aim is to promote unity in diversity, to give all Namibians a sense of identity and pride in their creative talents, and to improve the quality of life.
The Capricorn Foundation said they recognise the importance of art for social development since its main aim is to improve society and help other people find their own means of creative expression.
Capricorn Foundation’s executive officer, Marlize Horn, said, \"As connectors of positive change, we believe that it is pivotal to partner with relevant organisations that bring about social change and empower communities to become self-sustainable. The work carried out by Omba Arts Trust is in line with one of the Capricorn Foundation’s primary focus areas, namely economic advancement and empowerment of some of the most vulnerable communities in Namibia.\"