Introduction
Usakos is a town situated 140 kilometers north-east of Swakopmund in the Erongo Region of Namibia. It is located on the B2 road between the coast and Okahandja, where the road turns towards the capital city, Windhoek. Surrounded by mountains, Usakos is quite picturesque. There are several gasoline stations and banks as well as other town services.
Usakos is the closest town to the Spitzkoppe mountains, Ameib Ranch and Hohenstein Lodge. The town has a total population of approximately 6 500 residents. The settlement of the town was related to the construction of a railway line for the copper mines in Tsumeb. When the railway station was shut down, most people lost their income. The majority of these people are nowadays dependent on livestock farming as a source of income. Due to the high unemployment rate, the most marginalized group of people, the children, grow up in extreme poverty. This poverty results in high frustration among in the community, often expressed through violence and alcoholism. This and the lack of money for nutrition, other basic needs, school fees and school material make it difficult for the youth to complete their schooling - a situation creating a vicious circle.
