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About us
About us
Social enterprise
Omba Arts, a not-for-profit social enterprise founded more than 30 years ago, has made a difference to the lives of thousands of Namibians – artisans, artists and their families. We strive to promote and support sustainable livelihoods through craft development in rural communities in Namibia and have developed and marketed some of Namibia’s most iconic handicrafts as well as San contemporary art.
Harnessing local talents
Omba celebrates the wonderful cultural diversity of Namibia. We assist artisans to make a living through embracing and exploring their cultural heritage. All our products reflect traditional skills and ancient techniques merged with contemporary design suited to different markets.
Fair Trade
We believe that craft is a conduit for broader community development. A member of the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) since 2007, Omba’s fair trade practices, training and building of trusting relationships have developed skills and promoted resilience, social connectivity, hope and environmental awareness. And as importantly, we have facilitated sustainable livelihoods in communities where there are few opportunities for formal employment.
Partnerships
We partner other key non-governmental bodies in Namibia as well community-based organisations such as Conservancies. Omba is a member of NACSO – the Namibian Association of Community Based Natural Resource Management Support Organisations.
Our Story
Home-grown
Omba Arts’ roots go back to the early 1990s when founding director, Karin le Roux started researching the development of the craft sector for a large NGO. Karin travelled to rural communities around Namibia providing training whilst developing relationships and networks that remain strong still today. These early years laid the foundation for an independent organisation that was to become Omba Arts Trust in 2004.
Impacts
Omba now supports more than 400 artisans and artists from nine regions in Namibia, 95% of whom are women and 60% San. The craft and contemporary art programmes with Ju/’hoan, Hai//om, !Kung and Khwe San groups in four regions have been recognised as a critical livelihood source for these very marginalised communities.
Please take time to have a look at our fund-raising video from 2020 – it will give you an idea of how we work and our impacts.
KARIN LE ROUX
Our Team
Karin le Roux
Karin le Roux, founding Director: With an art degree and unstoppable passion for nurturing the skills of rural artisans, Karin has helped showcase and market the work of hundreds of rural Namibians locally and internationally. In 2019, Karin received the Embassy of Finland’s Han-award for promoting equality and inclusivity in Namibian society.
Saar Maritz
Saar Maritz has a jewellery design degree and has been with Omba since 2003, currently managing day-to-day operations. She helps design and develop products, makes prototypes and workshops them with Omba’s artisans to make marketable products.
Silvia Tjiueza
Silvia Tjiueza joined Omba in 2011 as stores manager. She places orders with our artisans, sends them supplies and materials and makes sure they are paid on time. She enjoys working with suppliers and customers and loves the opportunity to contribute to society and learn new skills.
Roswidis ‘Rosi’ Uushona
Roswidis ‘Rosi’ Uushona was born in northern Namibia and attended high school in Windhoek before joining Omba in 2016 as our retail sales assistant. Rosi loves meeting customers from different nationalities and backgrounds at our shop in the Namibia Crafts Centre.
Antje Goethje
Antje Goethje joined Omba Arts in 2014 as bookkeeper, ensuring we keep accountable to our artisans, artists and donors. She has enjoyed seeing the difference we make in the lives of the artisans and employees through the opportunities we offer. She describes the many facets of Omba’s operation as ‘challenging but never boring.’
Veronika Nakanuku
Veronika Nakanuku has recently joined Omba as sales and marketing manager. Having started her own NGO before doing an art therapy degree, she shares our passion for supporting rural artisans.
Benson Kuzai
Benson Kuzai started working with us as an intern during his high school years and has now joined us on a part-time basis after completing his qualifications in IT. He assists with customer services.