Early warning, early action

Learners received a history lesson from City of Windhoek officials as well as tips on what to avoid when coming across the scene of an emergency.
The Windhoek City Museum, in collaboration with the city's emergency and disaster risk management unit's fire brigade, hosted a museum tour and gave demonstrations on how to deal with emergency situations.
Theresia Lucas
The event was attended by primary school students and tourists and featured several speakers, namely museum curator Aaron Nambodi, councillor and member of the economic advancement, public safety, and citizen welfare committee, Dr Otillie Uukule, the deputy fire chief at the City of Windhoek, Kupaha Uazukuani and former Windhoek mayor Job Amupanda.

Importance of history

Amupanda spoke about the importance of history, saying it is important that history be preserved and recorded correctly to prevent misinterpretations or the history of the nation being obliterated completely.

"History is very important and distinct, and it is important that we preserve it; that is why we have establishments like the City Museum," he said.

He added that young people need to start recording their own history as effectively as they can because they too may one day be part of it and future generations will benefit from their records.

When mention was made of the possibility of their own history being misinterpreted, the students expressed discomfort and vowed to preserve it as much as they could.

Preserve history

The importance of history for the Namibian economy was also highlighted, with reference made to tourists and researchers travelling to Namibia to view and study historic artifacts.

Uukule applauded the museum for effectively preserving the history of the Namibian nation.

"This goes without saying, that we need to acknowledge our forefathers and applaud them for preserving our history, allowing for better awareness and insight," Uukule said.

Museum curator, Nambodi, advised the learners to develop a curiosity when it comes to their history so that they can have a better understanding of their heritage.

"It is only through an understanding that you will recognise the significance of preserving history and what role it plays in our lives today," Nambodi said.

The museum mainly features historic objects and pictures of Windhoek as well as a detailed history of the city.

Tips

Following the museum tour, the learners were shown practical demonstrations on how to deal with emergency situations involving fire.

Deputy fire chief Uazukuani said it is "vital that you know the basics when it comes to dealing with fires because it may help you save a life one day."

He also cautioned that as bystanders at an accident or emergency scene, it is not advisable to take photos of the scene because the photos show sensitive material and could have a negative effect on the family.