Keetmanshoop — The Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO) conducted a week long dancing workshop on HIV testing titled "It begins with me", at the Keetmanshop Multi Purpose Youth Centre.

Officially ending the workshop last Friday, OYO Youth Programme Coordinator, Ivan Mueze, said the workshop achieved its objective which was to prepare the youth "Dream Team" group to spread the HIV testing message to the Otjozondjupa region by means of drama dances and songs. The week long workshop concentrated on a special dance that addresses the issue of testing. After watching the dance which unfolds in a typical stage play, audiences will better understand why one must make a choice and go for HIV testing.

Last year OYO also held a workshop at the same venue, but it was different from the recently concluded one. Twenty two young people between 16 and 30 years who enjoy dancing, acting and singing were welcomed to join. What highlighted the "It begins with me" dancing workshop was the presence of the United Kingdom (UK) based dance director Helen. She was responsible for polishing the "Dream Team" in such a way that they are now ready to tour the Otjozondjupa Region between February 9-17 February. OYO also offers a bimonthly magazine with social issues content contributed by the youth. OYO is a Non- Governmental Organisation that uses art to create awareness on social issues.