The high rate of teenage pregnancies in Namibia is becoming a growing concern. 

With a national average of nearly 20% of teenage girls falling pregnant annually, the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO), through its Youth Arts Festival, is touring the ||Kharas Region to raise awareness.

Statistics indicate that close to three out of ten girls in Namibia drop out of school due to teenage pregnancies.

Causes are attributed to poverty, peer pressure and a decline in moral and spiritual values. 

Through performing arts, music and poetry on social ills affecting young people, OYO aims to attract teenagers and use the voices of teens to spread the word of engaging in positive activities and abstaining from sex. 

Well-known performing arts director Philippe Talavera explained the importance of using performances to sensitise young people to the dangers of engaging in unproductive activities. 

The Ombetja Yehinga Organisation Youth Arts Festival will be visiting Rehoboth after a long weekend.