With elegant strokes of her violin, 18-year-old Twani Fredericks fills the classroom of the Youth Orchestras of Namibia (YONA) with captivating melodies. Her journey with the instrument embodies not only a deep passion but also the resilience required to chase her dream in a country where opportunities to study orchestral music are limited.

"Learning orchestral music here has shifted my mindset. Playing the violin brings peace to my heart. I love it," said Fredericks, who began her musical journey at age 11.

Fredericks is one of the many beneficiaries of YONA, which was founded in 2016 to nurture artistic talents in Windhoek, Namibia's capital. Since its inception, the program has empowered more than 600 children, addressing Namibia's gap in training orchestra musicians.

"Our mission is to bridge gaps and inspire hope, empowering children to build a better future," said Gretel Coetzee, YONA's director and co-founder. She said that orchestras in Namibia previously relied on musicians from neighboring countries, a practice YONA is gradually changing by nurturing local talent.

Namibia's Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Ester Anna Nghipondoka said programs like YONA are important in fostering young talent despite limited resources, stressing that such initiatives play a pivotal role in unlocking potential and shaping the futures of young people.

What began with 25 children has blossomed into a thriving program, accommodating around 200 learners annually at its main location in Windhoek's central business district and two additional centers in Katutura township.

"When we first introduced violin lessons in 2017, the 25 children had to share just four instruments, taking turns to learn," Coetzee recalled.

YONA now offers lessons across three levels, from beginner string orchestras and choirs to advanced symphony ensembles. The range of instruments has also expanded to include the flute, piano, clarinet, and oboe, reflecting the increasing enthusiasm among the children.

Inclusivity is central to YONA's philosophy. While the academy charges standard fees, about 80 percent of the learners receive full bursaries sponsored by organizations such as the National Arts Council of Namibia. These bursaries cover tuition, transportation, and meals, ensuring that orchestral music education remains accessible to children from diverse backgrounds.

"This ensures that orchestral music education is accessible to as many children as possible, fostering inclusivity while harnessing music's power to positively shape young lives during their formative years," Coetzee said.

YONA's impact is tangible. Learners like Fredericks credit the program with boosting their confidence and teamwork skills. "It has positively influenced other areas of my life, especially teamwork and social skills," she said.

For 13-year-old violinist Edlin Hochobeb, YONA has been transformative, improving his focus and academic performance while also providing a sense of belonging. "It is good to be with peers who have similar interests, and it keeps me busy with good things like music," he said.

Beyond the classroom, YONA creates opportunities for its students to showcase their talents on both local and international stages. It organizes orchestra events featuring collaborations with renowned artists, offering young musicians invaluable exposure to professional music environments. This year, eight students participated in the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival in South Africa, marking their first international performance.

"It felt like a dream come true," Fredericks said. "We learned advanced techniques I would not have encountered elsewhere."

YONA's reach extends beyond music. Amy Afrikaner, a music teacher at YONA, said "music provides the children with a safe, positive outlet and fosters trust within the community."

"I am amazed at how shy children have grown in confidence, both in their musical abilities and in life. They communicate more effectively, express themselves openly, and actively participate with others. This is the social transformation we aim to foster," Coetzee said.