The OEWONA NAMIBIA RIVER CHALLENGE was launched in August 2008.

The annual OEWONA Namibia River Challenge raises money and awareness for OEWONA (Organization for the Empowerment of Widows/Widowers and Orphans of HIV/AIDS in Namibia).

OEWONA was officially launched by Madam Penehupifo Pohamba, the First Lady of Namibia, who is also the founding member and patron of the organization. This worthy cause teaches sustainability and through getting involved with communities and teaching basic skills, recipients are ensured of ongoing income and sustainable projects, even after OEWONA funds are moved to other areas.

Vision:
To promote the empowerment of widows/widowers and orphans caused by HIV and AIDS; to improve their living standards by facilitating access to better nutrition, to instill self-confidence through own contributions to the organization; and to improve access to basis services such as health and education for their wellbeing. Oewona is glad to be associated with a project of this nature . Not only will it put Oewona and the plight of vulnerable and orphaned children in the mindset of people but it will also allow people to see that Oewona is a reputable organization that reach out to the community via unique and adventurous projects.
A project of this nature invites corporate’s and companies to have fun in a new way but also to comply with the social responsibility that is part of every human being.

Having partners such as Turn Marketing, Expressions, Events unlimited, F&H Promotions and Rat Race Media; Oewona is assured of a totally focused campaign and a successful event. If one look a the professional image portrait by the steering committee of the Oewona River Challenge one can easily understand why a companies such as Kia Namibia and Shell Namibia grabbed the opportunity to become part of this exiting event. Not only are they part of the fun but they contribute in a big way to help realize the dreams of the unfortunate victims of HIV AIDS.

The OEWONA Namibia River Challenge was held in 2009 for the first time and exceeded all expectations of organizers and sponsors. Traveling over 2 000 kilometers over 6 days from Windhoek and back, 20 Kia 4x4 vehicles towed 13 rubber-duck type boats to the banks of the mighty Kavango River. Starting at Katitiwe (Namibia/Angola border) the OEWONA River Challenge ended at

Begani with more than 100 participants, back up crews and media joining the challenge to raise money and awareness for OEWONA. Namibian and South African participants ensured that the dream is realized and on behalf of the OEWONA Trust the Honourable First Lady of Namibia received a cheque for N$100 000, a Kia bakkie, services and tyres for a year and Shell petrol for a year - which were handed over at a gala event held at Popa Falls.

Concept is built around a challenge with the challenge consisting out of the following:

• GPS checkpoints
• Strategic fuel and GPS calculations
• Fish Weigh in for points
• Photo of bird species for points
• Delivery of much needed daily food articles to community
• Launching of Community projects by companies and corperates

Objectives for 2010

• To get Awareness on the plight of orphaned Aids victims.
• To get Awareness on the plight of Widows due to Aids
• To Raise international Awareness on the organization of OEWONA.
• To get a internet campaign going for online contribution and thereby assuring a year-round income for OEWONA.
• To raise N$ 500 000 for the organization in the 2010 event.

Mission

Project Mission

 

• Media coverage
• Budget ( Money)
• Main Sponsor
• Embassy boats to sell
• Last year word of mouth
• Experience of 2009
• Competency in Organizing Team

OEWONA NAMIBIA RIVER CHALLENGE 2009 EVENT
The OEWONA Namibia River Challenge was held in 2009 for the first time and exceeded all expectations of organizers and sponsors.  Traveling nearly 2 000 kilometers over 6 days from Windhoek and back, 20 Kia 4x4 vehicles towed 13 rubber-duck type boats to the banks of the mighty Kavango River.  Starting at Katitwe (Namibia/Angola border) the OEWONA River Challenge ended at Begani with more than 100 participants, back up crews and media joining the challenge to raise money and awareness for OEWONA.

Namibian and South African participants ensured that the dream is realized and on behalf of the OEWONA Trust the Honourable First Lady of Namibia received a cheque for N$100 000, a Kia bakkie, services and tyres for a year and Shell petrol for a year - which were handed over at a gala event held at Popa Falls.  The total donation value was about N$268 000.

OEWONA NAMIBIA RIVER CHALLENGE – 2010 EVENT
The 2010 event aims to encourage more corporate and embassies to partake by buying boats and sponsoring teams to participate.  This year the organizers would like 150 participants to join, taking 20 boats and 30 Tata vehicles.  Using the 2009 as a blue print the organizers, are now ready to profile OEWONA internationally and are currently busy with negotiations with DSTV, Rebel TV (Europe), Watersportsworld, ESPN, South African and international print media and of course the ongoing support of the Namibian media.