Big Issue - Namibia

Activities include:

• campaigning on behalf of the homeless;
• highlighting of social issues of the day;
• giving vendors the opportunity to make an income;
• increasing the opportunity for vendors to take control of their lives; and
• allowing vendors to voice their views.

The publication is a member of the International Network of Street Papers (INSP) which tackles the challenges of homelessness and unemployment. It follows the model of more than 50 other street papers around the world. The Big Issue combines news with general interest features and seeks to inform and entertain while advocating the need for social change.

Vendors who are either homeless or unemployed, buy the magazine from its depot and sell it on the streets to the public for their profit. All vendors receive training, sign a code of conduct and can be identified by The Big Issue Namibia badges.

The publication is funded through advertising and sponsorships. Profits go back to helping vendors through a vendor support programme, which provides them with counselling, skills training, and art and literacy classes.

The Big Issue Namibia is currently (February 2009) in the process of negotiating funding and is not printing.

Economic development

The project aims to raise awareness of social issues. "The magazine, sold by the homeless and socially excluded has a circulation of 2000 magazines and a potential readership of over 15000 people."