ONGWEDIVA – Learners from various schools around Oshakati and Ongwediva, who flooded the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, expressed excitement about the popular event.
The annual fair, which attracted 418 local and international exhibitors this year, started last week and will run until 2 September 2023.
The exhibition halls, restaurants, entertainment kiosks and children’s entertainment areas were teeming with children during the first weekend of the 2023 fair.
Okatana Secondary School grade nine learner Shangelao Mbudhi said the event is a great place for her and her friend to have a fun time.
“The trade fair is a nice place to be, so many things happen at once. I went there during the weekend, and I bought slushies and took a few flyers home to my mom. I even stayed for the evening performances. We were dancing,” said Mbudhi.
Grade 12 learners from Mweshipandeka Secondary School and Gabriel Taapopi Secondary School were excited to tell New Era about what they did at the trade fair.
“We went there to visit a few tertiary stalls because next year, we are going to university. I went there to find out the different courses offered at Unam because I want to apply there,” said one of the girls in the group.
The learners hoped for the trade fair to be held during the December holiday when everyone is on holiday.
“I am a hostel learner, meaning I only had this weekend to enjoy the trade fair before I go back to the hostel. It is mostly only the day learners who get to enjoy the trade fair until its final day,” said a learner from Mweshipandeka.
A few children from the Oneshila location in Oshakati East in grades four and five were happy to show off their toys from the fair.
The children, while excitingly jumping and speaking over each other, told New Era they had a great time, bought toy guns and made sure to eat enough sweets while exploring the fair.
“Look, look at my water gun; it sprays water, and I also got this other one that makes shooting sounds. My small sister got a hairband with bunny ears that lights up at night. I was also jumping on the jumping castle,” said an excited Jade Mathews.