Mondesa Youth Opportunities (MYO) is a charitable youth development program based in Swakopmund Namibia. Mondesa, a township community located on the Western coast of Namibia, is populated almost exclusively with disadvantaged and underprivileged families. Rob Myres and Alta Myburgh started MYO in December of 2003, after piloting a successful joint venture between Arandis Youth Tennis Association and Swakopmund Tennis Academy. 

Financing for MYO capital projects and ongoing operations relies exclusively on private donations.

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Objectives

The core objective of Mondesa Youth Opportunities is to develop and foster an environment where the children of Mondesa are provided opportunities to learn and grow in areas that are vital to their success in life, and to create a community of physically and emotionally healthy, engaged and caring youth. Specifically, MYO programs will encourage advancement in academic distinction, goal setting, communications, problem solving, self discipline, how to manage mistakes, leadership skills and personal accountability for life choices. Additionally, through active participation in a variety of structured programs, these children will develop the ability to resist negative peer pressure and increase the skills needed to achieve their dreams by remaining in school and achieving academic excellence.

In order to pursue the stated objectives, MYO staff utilizes a combination of academic support programs, life skills mentoring, and dedicated sports training activities. Tennis, whole body fitness and distance running are examples of sports activities that are incorporated as part of the comprehensive program, while computer training, academic tutoring, and life skills training and reinforcement through mentoring are examples of other activities incorporated into the daily routines. 

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The Vision

The ultimate vision of MYO and our path to the greatest impact in the community, or ROI, is to have our own facilities. When we reach this stage we will need 2 to 3 full time volunteers and several part-time volunteers to help staff the facility and manage the programs. Once we have that capability, our goal is to have 50 – 60 kids in the program each school semester, with each student returning for multiple semesters and years. Youth would join the program in primary school and stay in the program through secondary school. Secondary school participants would be required to take on additional responsibilities in assisting with younger children and helping to manage the facilities.

Participants will arrive at the facility following a short break after school lets out. They would then spend 1 to 2 hours doing homework, being tutored, or participating in facilitated study programs before going to tennis practice or another sporting session for another hour or more. The facility could also be used to provide safe areas for kids to hang out on weekend nights to discourage them hanging out at shabeens (local bars). In addition, specialty classes taught by volunteers can be offered on topics such as AIDS/HIV, self-esteem, college requirements, drug and alcohol abstinence, and health and nutrition etc. The MYO facility will serve as a youth community center with the obvious limitations that we will only be able to accommodate as many youth as our resources allow.

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Organization and Management Structure

Mondesa Youth Opportunities exists as a charitable organization (IRS code 501(c)3 as defined by the United States Internal Revenue Service. MYO operates under the guidelines of the registered non-profit corporation 4th and Sunset”. 4th and Sunset was incorporated specifically to fulfill the requirements of Ohio law regarding the charitable organization statutes. The 4th and Sunset Corporation has no other functions other than to serve the interests of Mondesa Youth Opportunities.

General oversight and guidance for Mondesa Youth Opportunities is provided by the Board of Directors. The Board will meet twice each year, with full membership required to meet at least once a year. The board will set overall direction, determine budgets and generally provide guidance and support to the program.

Alta Myburgh is the Managing Director of Mondesa Youth Opportunities and manages all daily operations. Alta is assisted by Barvely Von Luttichou who is also a certified USPTR (United States Professional Tennis Registry) tennis instructor.

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Board of Directors

The Board of Directors serves as the overall governing body of Mondesa Youth Opportunities. The Board of Directors meets twice each year, with full membership required for at least one of the meetings and a majority of board members for the other meeting. As a minimum, board meetings should result in setting general direction and guidance for MYO and approval of budgets. 

Directors: Jon Giuliani, Michael Kindred, Bryan Moser, Alta Myburgh, Larry Myres, Rob Myres, Tom Wigton, Tricia Johnson.

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Funding

Mondesa Youth Opportunities requires consistent and committed funding to maintain the effectiveness and viability of the programs. Our primary means of solicitation include networking with friends and colleagues, the Internet, regionally delivered awareness seminars, and hard-copy informational brochures.

Our current primary focus is to fund our capital projects including facilities construction and transportation.

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Budget and Capital Requirements

A summary of our 2005 budget is outlined below. For sponsors or potential donors, we are happy to share our budget and financial management plan. 

2005 Budget (in US Dollars)

Operating Expenses: $24,000
Capital Expenses: $23,000
General and Admin: $1,900