Local youth empowerment hub, Young Africa Botswana (YAB) has, after a six year affiliation with Young Africa International (YA) rebranded to Mebala Youth Studios.
Board Chairperson, Tapiwa Chilume, explained that after six years of learning and guidance from YA, the organisation is now ready to be self-reliant. “We are ready to stand on our own, bringing the best of what we learnt with us. We have found a niche in training the youth in entrepreneurial skills and the development of the creative industry while advocating for a greener, fully inclusive Botswana into every aspect of our work.”
YAB was registered under Young Africa International in 2016. It has since been operating from the Lady Masire Youth Center in Gaborone West under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Youth Gender Sports and Culture.
The organisation claims that its decision to gravitate from Young Africa International was a natural one which was influenced by market demands and the interests of key stakeholders.
“We grew in this direction naturally, responding to the demands of the market, the interests of the youth, the support of the donors and most importantly our own vision for Botswana’s future. While our name might change, our focus and dedication to our work remains the same. Mebala Youth Studios remains a home for youth entrepreneurship, creative and personal skills development, and community building,” reads a statement issued.
Mebala Youth Studios vision is not so far from that of YAB as it seeks to empower Botswana Youth to be global citizens who are recognized for their unique talents, culture and skills. “We are grateful for the opportunities created and the experience gained through the partnership with Young Africa International.”
Under the wings of Young Africa International, YAB has facilitated youth mentorship and business training, counselling and mental wellness support as well as campaigns and exercises
that give platforms to youth in the creative industry.
Likewise, the newly birthed Mebala Youth Studios focal areas will be Youth Entrepreneurship, Creative Skills Development, Mental Health Advocacy, Human Rights & Community Building and Environmental Sustainability.
Young Africa International took to their social media to extend well wishes to Mebala Youth Studios. “Young Africa International founded YA Botswana in 2016 and in the last 6 years as a member of the YA Confederation, they have trained youths in Gaborone in employability and entrepreneurship with a strong focus on art and culture. In 2023 with their redefined strategy, Young Africa Botswana will become Mebala Youth Studios, leaving the YA Confederation but continuing to empower youth in Botswana as an independent local Tswana NGO. We celebrate the growth of Young Africa Botswana to their independence and look back with pride of what we have achieved together. Everyone at Young Africa International wishes the
Directors, Team and Board at Mebala Youth Studios all the best in their new chapter.”
Despite the transition, Lady Masire Youth Centre will remain the home of Mebala Youth Studios. Services offered are free business consultation, WIFI and workspace, free counselling services, business masterclasses and many others for the development of youth in Botswana.
Mebala’s photographer and brand specialist Neo Mokgosi has been credited for developing the colourful new brand identity.
