Individuals belonging to the Herero people in northern Kunene and from the Omusati Region (Ruacana area), are also members of HIPO.
Realising that continuing to be illiterate was detrimental to their culture and way of life, a special focus of the organisation is education.
The Namibia Association of Norway (NAMAS) is the main funding source, with major contributions from the Norwegian government (Norad).
NAMAS had previously supported the establishment of 40 schools for the native members in Northern Kunene, during the period from 1997 to 2007.
The logo consists of the ethnic groups holding hands, embracing the Welwitschia mirabilis (Otjiherero: Onjanga) .