Taking part in the #BeFree Cook-off Competition was more than just a test of culinary skills for Paavo Nepaka.
“It was a comprehensive learning experience that enhanced various aspects of personal and professional growth.”
Nepaka (24) was one of 14 Namibian men, paired up as mentor-mentee duos in the One Economy Foundation’s third annual #BeFree Cook-off competition in which young boys and men cook recipes from their cultures at the Palm Tree Park on Saturday.
This year’s event was celebrated under the theme, ‘Unified in Diversity – and it went beyond being a cooking competition, serving as a platform to discuss sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), mental health, as well as reproductive health for men.
By engaging in conversations and a cooking challenge, it aimed to bring the community together in unity and education.
The highlight of the day was the cooking competition, themed, ‘United in Diversity’, which emphasised the importance of unity over division, reminding everyone that the fight is against violence – not each other.
“The initiative was also a safe space for young men in the surrounding of the city to unite through this cultural exchange initiatives, have conversations and network,” said Nepaka, who is a finance intern at TransNamib.
He added that it was a learning experience for the boy child, “An aspect that we rarely pay attention to in our society”.
Nepaka stated: “Going forward, I hope to see more of our institutions creating such platforms to unite the boy child through various initiatives as a way to give back to society”.
Uakotoka Ngombe, a Himba man from the Kunene region, said such events require consistency to instil values and morals in Namibian men.
“Where I come from, women prepare the porridge/pap – and we, men, cook the meat. It has been like that for a lifetime, and it’s pretty normal for us to cook,” he told this publication.
Ngombe said cooking and eating is one of those activities that bring people together, advising young Namibians to appreciate that aspect of life.
He added that Namibia is a diverse country with different cultures that should be respected and valued.
“I come from Kunene, which is far, and I found myself seeking pasture to support my wife and children in this city of lights. We must all accommodate each other and live in harmony. It’s that simple,” said the energetic Ngombe, who resides at the Katutura Youth Complex with other homeless people, who were given refuge during the height of Covid-19.
He said life has not been easy, and he only arrived in Windhoek a month ago to find work.
Shelleygan Petersen, a journalist, highlighted the significance of embracing diverse conversations on SGBV and unity.
She encouraged participants to step out of their comfort zones and connect with new people, gaining positive perspectives and experiences.
She also advised young men to express themselves openly, manage their emotions wisely and recognise SGBV as a serious concern for all.
The event also featured Dr Stanley Kanyemba, who emphasised the importance of regular medical check-ups, vaccines, physical activity and circumcision for the prevention of the Human papillomavirus.
The founder of Delivery Room, Elago Nantana, highlighted the importance of checking up on friends and overcoming challenges together.
He emphasised the power of support, urging men to address triggers of suicide, such as stigma and pride – and to be there for one another.
Zackery Itodo, the #BeFree GBV response person, encouraged timely reporting of GBV.
“You can report incidents without fear of ridicule,” he assured.
Inmates from the Windhoek Correctional Service shared their powerful stories of journeying through violence and rehabilitation.
They delivered heartfelt messages, encouraging respect for women and acknowledging the detrimental impact of violence. In the end, Avelino Cassuco and Unique Esingue were crowned champions, followed by Gino Phillander and Wesley Xamseb in second place, and Paavo Nepaka and Johannes Nepaka in third place.
-psiririka@nepc.com.na