• Education

Celebrating cultural diversity as one

Justicia Shipena



Cultural diversity makes us accept, and even to some extent, integrate and assimilate with other cultures.

It has become very important in today's world.

Whether we work or study or even stay at home, our chances of interacting with people from various races, ethnic groups and cultures is far greater now than it has been ever before.

Most universities celebrate cultural diversity by hosting a cultural ­festival for their university communities.

The Zone attended the Namibia ­University of Science and ­Technology (Nust) Cultural Festival and spoke to the students about its importance.

Held under the theme 'Celebrating cultural diversity as one', the festival was aimed at encouraging students to take pride in their diverse traditions, in addition to embracing those of others from 6 to 10 August.

European Union (EU) ambassador to Namibia, Jana Hybášková, during the opening ceremony singled out a project in which tablet computers will be designed for the Ovahimba.

She also highlighted the importance of being unified in diversity and making people aware of what it means to speak about culture in their own words.

Nust vice-chancellor Tjama Tjivikua said the university is mindful of the potential inherent in promoting cultural diversity, when enrolling students and recruiting staff members.

“As visionaries we always require new thinking and we also value good connections to elevate our quest to become a world-class university,” he said.



Connection

Tjivikua said those connections are evident everywhere and the cultural festival serves as an authentic explosion of colour through various cultural displays.

The university also held an international cuisine day, where different traditions were showcased through traditional food.

Jessey Angula and Elizabeth Mansanga took home the coveted titles of Mr and Miss Nust, respectively.

The Zone spoke to different students regarding their view on cultural diversity and what role cultural festivals play in their lives.

Meriam Immanuel, a first-year student, said that for those who want to learn about other cultures, but do not know where to start, a great place to begin is picking up a book and reading about the cultures that interest them.

Another was attending cultural festivals.

The best way to learn, though, is through face-to-face interactions with a person of the culture you would like to learn more about, she said.

“Most of us enjoy one aspect of cultural diversity, which is food from different cultures and regions, and this can also be a good way to start learning about new cultures.”

Caroline Garises, also a first-year student, said that Nust Cultural Festival is an innovative way for different cultures to showcase their unique attributes.

It showed that various cultures, both local and international, can live together harmoniously, providing for a very diverse society in which students are able to learn and grow through experiencing the customs of their neighbours.

“Above all it showed how truly ­beautiful the African nation is,” she said.