Hizetjitwa Indigenous Peoples' Organization

HIZETJITWA Indigenous Peoples Organisation (HIPO) was the name constructed from the first letters of the member peoples’ names; Himba, Zemba, Tjimba and Twa. These indigenous semi nomadic peoples live in the mountainous and semi deserted areas of north west Kunene in Namibia and across the border in Angola. Also people belonging to the Herero peoples in northern Kunene and from the Omusati region (Ruacana area) are members of HIPO.

Founding

The organization was initiated by the local people in 2007 who felt the need to work to together in a situation where the modern world came rapidly closer, creating huge challenges for their traditional culture. Especial emphases was laid on education, realizing that their culture and way of life would suffer if they continued being illiterate.

An interim board was elected in 2007, and Annual Meetings were held in 2008, 2009 and 2010. At this event representatives from the 85 HIPO Community Based Committees and from the local traditional authorities meet for a two days’ meeting and for cultural and social interchange. The number of members paying their member fees grew steadily from xxx in 2008 to 1500 in 2010. Around 40 % of the members and 33% of the local committees are female, a good result in an otherwise male dominated culture.

HIPO work on the bases of 5 years plans, annual plans and 3 month Work Plans as approved by the board. For 2010 the budget is N$ 980000, including 80000 for efforts in establishing a HIPO organization in Angola. The annual accounts are audited by an internationally recognized Namibian auditor. The Norwegian organization “Namibia Association of Norway” (NAMAS) is the main funding source through major contributions from the Norwegian government (NORAD). NAMAS had previously supported the establishment of 40 mobile schools for the indigenous member peoples in the northern Kunene in the period 1997 to 2007.

From a skeleton staff in 2008, the current HIPO administration now consists of Executive Director, Finance and Administration Officer and a Full Time Field Officer. In addition come 10 Field Officers recruited among the member peoples, and an adviser funded by NAMAS.

The board members are elected by the Annual Meeting for 3 years period, the current board being elected in August 2010. It consists of members from the different peoples, and from the different geographical areas in northern Kunene.

Motto

Development, Dignity, Unity

Logo

The logo is consisting of the these ethnic groups holding hands, embracing the Onjanga (welwitchia mirabilis) which symbolizes the uniqueness of these indigenous people

Mission Statement

Unconditionally committed to uplifting the living standard and the protection of the human dignity/rights of the indigenous people, characterized by their self determination to preserve, develop and transmit to future generations their ancestral territories and their ethnic identity

Basic aims and objectives of organization

1. To educate and train indigenous communities about their human rights as enshrined in the constitution of the Republic of Namibia and the protection of these rights
2. To ensure a proper education for children by providing for their basic educational needs (financially and otherwise).
3. To empower adults through literacy programmes, advocacy on the rights and needs and by creating income generating opportunities.
4. To improve the general well being of indigenous people by advocating and lobbing for improvement of general sanitation, water, shelter, communication, road network, health facilities and employment opportunities of these people.
5. To promote and safeguard the cultural and traditional heritages, values, morals, and beliefs, centred on unity in diversity.
6. To encourage and promote women empowerment activities of indigenous people through self-help programmes.
7. To promote HIV/AIDS awareness by engaging in awareness campaigns.
8. To identify and address social challenges and needs in the communities by establishing a task force to handle these challenges and needs to refer people for professional services.
9. To network with local and international organizations with similar objectives for indigenous people for the mutual benefit.# To solicit funds in order to fulfil the objectives of the organisation.

External links

• http://www.hipo.org.na
• http://www.namibiaforeningen.no/samarbeid-med-hipo.4612864-138546.html
• [[File:HIPO logo]]