KEETMANSHOOP – The Ministry of Health and Social Services celebrated cultural distinction under the theme “Sharing our cultures, allow for greater understanding and learning,” last week on Thursday in the //Kharas Region.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Richard Kamwi, in his keynote address said culture is a social construct that defines identity and personality.
He urged health students from the different regions to be proud and celebrate cultural diversity.
“Heritage and culture are priceless, we can not let it decay,” stressed the health minister. He said such events strengthen cultural foundations and in the process also ensure a vibrant, prosperous and cohesive society.
Kamwi was however quick to acknowledge the new ways of doing things caused by the world becoming a global village and through intercontinental communication.
He said Namibians adopted a new culture after independence, the culture of one Namibia one Nation.
Kamwi implored health professionals to have a culture of adaptation, love, care and unity of purpose.
He further reminded them that as health workers they are entrusted with one common aim, that of promoting the health of all Namibian people of different backgrounds.
The Director of Policy Planning and Human Resources Development in the Ministry of Health and Social Services Bertha Katjivena also highlighted the importance of such an event, adding that it will help students and staff to share culture and experiences for a better understanding and learning opportunities.
She reminded students that once they graduate they are expected to interact with different cultural behaviours, values and beliefs.
“It will therefore be impossible to appreciate the impact of culture on the lives of others, particularly patients, if you are out of touch with your own cultural background,” she emphasised.
She concluded by saying that at the present time understanding similarities and diversity becomes increasingly important.
The event saw cultural performances, some of which were so energetic and vibrant that they prompted Kamwi to join in the celebrations as an appreciation of cultural diversity. Also present at the event were the Governor of the //Kharas Region Bernadus Swartbooi and the Deputy Mayor of Keetmanshoop, Gabriel Freyer.
The event started on Thursday and students from different health training centres across Namibia took part throughout the weekend.
By Matheus Hamutenya