Keeping the youth off the street

Based in Tsumeb, the Arts Performance Centre (APC) gives the youth a platform to explore their musical capabilities. Founded in 2003 by Lis Hidber and the late Father Hans Leu, the existence of the APC has since had to rely on donor funding to fulfil its purpose. The centre's public relations officer Alina Garises told tjil APC is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation. She mentioned that APC has two branches, one in Tsumeb and the other in Oshikuku. “The centre's mission and higher purpose is to keep children and youth away from the streets, and any crime-related activities, by acquainting them with artistic activities - music, dance, drawing and painting,” said Garises. Garises added that APC strives to strengthen the youth's interest and skills in personality enriching ways to pass their leisure time. In doing so, APC contributes to the desirable development of young people in Tsumeb and Oshikuku. “This also includes pre-primary education, which involves children from three to six years old,” she said. Garises announced that this year APC has registered about 375 pupils at the centre in Tsumeb and 90 at Oshikuku. The students range from well-to-do family backgrounds to the extreme opposite, from poverty-stricken areas. Popular violinist Ronaldo happens to be an alumnus from the centre. Ronaldo shared that he attended APC for free and the centre sent him to Switzerland in 2014 where he attended a music workshop, also for free. “I am grateful for all the opportunities the APC granted me and the community at large and I urge young people from Tsumeb to make use of the centre to sharpen their skills,” said Ronaldo. Ronaldo described the founder as very helpful with the goal of uplifitng the community of Tsumeb through music. “Lis Hidber is always willing to extend her helping hand to help young people. I am based in Windhoek now and playing a violin at social and corporate events is mainly how I sustain myself, and for that I am thankful,” said Ronaldo. MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Keeping the youth off the street

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-02

Please login to leave a comment

Keeping the youth off the street

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-02

Please login to leave a comment

Login