Who we are

MYO was founded in 2003 by Rob Myres, an American WorldTeach volunteer. Initial programming included a significant tennis component as we built capacity in providing education support.  By 2005, we focused increasingly on education and life skills to make a more meaningful impact among disadvantaged Namibian youth. Initially, the majority of funding for the project came from the US. That changed when Namibian board members Vera Leech, Clifford Lyners and Uschi Fahrbach joined the project. Funding from Namibian and German organizations followed. By the start of 2007, MYO had 100 students. MYO also appointed its first manager who worked alongside the teachers and volunteers. In 2008 MYO established its own site in Mondesa, a township in Swakopmund. The classrooms were constructed from converted shipping containers donated by Mearsk Namibia. By 2009, MYO was teaching English, Mathematics, Reading, Computer Science, Music, Life Skills and Sports to 120 underprivileged students. In 2024, MYO has 3 Trustees, 5 advisory board members, a staff of 13, 3 volunteers, and in total 120 students.