Kaino Sheehama

KAMANJAB – The Directorate of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture in the Kunene region hosted a Regional Cultural Festival in Kamanjab, themed ‘Torchbearers of our Heritage’. 

The festival brought together participants from all seven constituencies to showcase and celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage, diversity and unity.

The event, which was in celebration of Heritage Week, featured school learners, out-of-school youths and adults competing in eight categories.

 Among these was Cultural Research, where learners from junior and senior secondary schools presented their findings on topics they had investigated.

Delivering the keynote address, the Governor of the Kunene region, Vipuakuje Muharukua commended teachers and education officials for their dedication to preserving and promoting culture alongside formal education. 

“Our schools are not just centres of academic excellence – they are also custodians of cultural identity,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of instilling cultural pride in children. 

Muharukua added that “when you teach a child to value his or her heritage, you are planting a seed of pride that will grow into confidence, dignity and responsibility. 

When our learners know who they are, they will not be easily swayed by negative influences”.

He said Kunene is especially rich in cultural heritage, which must be passed on to future generations. 

Regional director of education in Kunene Sophia Ferdrieck expressed admiration for the learners’ research.

She noted that it reflects the principles of the National Curriculum for Basic Education, which seeks to nurture learners holistically – intellectually, socially and morally.

She encouraged parents to play a greater role in passing down culture to young children. 

“Let us bring back those evening fireside gatherings. Let us bring back storytelling sessions. Let us bring back traditional games like owela – not just for fun but as tools to enhance learning and combat educational challenges such as learning poverty,” she said.

Ferdrieck applauded the government for recognising Heritage Week. 

“Namibia’s cultural richness is a national treasure. Our diversity is not a challenge. 

It is our collective strength,” she stated.

* Kaino Sheehama is an information officer at the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology in the Kunene region.