Art transforms Namibian informal settlements, inspires hope

STORY: Art transforms Namibian informal settlements, inspires hope SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 4, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 5, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:36 LOCATION: Windhoek CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Okahandja Park informal settlement, Windhoek, Namibia 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): NDAKO NGHIPANDULWA, Namibian visual artist 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): THINYEMBA HIDIPO, Community member, Okahandja Park STORYLINE: Namibian visual artist Ndako Nghipandulwa is harnessing the power of art to alter the landscape of Okahandja Park, one of the oldest and most populated informal settlements on the periphery of Namibia's capital, Windhoek. Nghipandulwa initiated the art project after observing discouraging inscriptions on a shack two years ago during a photography assignment in the area. With a grant from the National Art Council of Namibia, Nghipandulwa aims to ignite a spark of optimism within the community by painting each structure. The project employs a community approach that includes training and empowering resident