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Nawa 20 |
Sep 29 2003 |
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LAUNCH OF THE SUZIE & SHAFA SHOW
 The city of Windhoek was "abuzz"Wednesday evening September 10, with a unique mix of students, professors, diplomats, cabinet ministers, entertainment celebrities, NGO representatives and their friends. Everyone was gathered at the Warehouse to celebrate, with words, song and dance, the beginning of a new era in the Namibian people`s fight against HIV/AIDS, the launch of The Suzie and Shafa Show. The diversity of the celebrants mirrored the intense multi-sectoral participation in this show`s development.
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Conceived, designed, written and produced by Namibians, the show is a 26-episode, magazine format radio program that tackles the tough issues that young people face, like date rape and communication with parents, in a way that is entertaining and educational. It is a collaboration of UNAM and College of the Arts students, with support from the Center for Communication Programs at Johns Hopkins University. It is broadcast on UNAM Radio 97.4 Thursday`s at 5 pm and repeats on Saturday`s at noon.
During the launch the Minister of Health`s representative, Mr. Simwanza Simenda, emphasized the need for the youth of Namibia to be actively engaged so they can participate in the process of slowing down the AIDS epidemic. U.S. Ambassador, Mr. Kevin McGuire, joked with the audience about this not being his usual role, "to promote radio programs."But he went on to emphasize the uniqueness of this opportunity for young people`s voices to not only be heard but for them to talk among themselves through this radio program in their own style and language on such important issues. The last of the formal presentations was the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Nangolo Mbumba. After finishing his prepared remarks, the Minister addressed the young people with candor and sincerity. He ended by saying that "your future is not determined by the chances you have. Rather the choices you make in life determine the chances you have."
That remark embodies the spirit of The Suzie and Shafa Show. It presents choices, builds skills to deal with life situations and does it in a fun atmosphere that challenges young people to think for themselves and be responsible for the choices they make in life. |
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CSDP RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FROM THE HIGHEST QUARTER
 "Civil society organizations are playing a vital role in cooperating with Government in dealing with social issues and development."With these comments, the Prime Minister of Namibia, Theo-Ben Gurirab, officially opened a symposium in Swakopmund recently which brought together 33 civic groups from throughout Namibia that receive technical assistance, training and small grants through the Civil Society Development Program.
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He highlighted the importance of the partnership between civil society and Government in promoting democracy and ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law. He stated that democracy is strengthened when citizens regularly interact with their elected leaders to exchange ideas, assume responsibility, become organized and add their voices to the market place of political debate. He called upon civil groups to make use of all available mechanisms for interaction with government, of which the Parliamentary Community Outreach initiative and the "open door"policy of the office of the Prime Minister are good examples. He congratulated participants on the substantive and meaningful contributions they are making towards the process of democratic transformation and economic development taking place in Namibia.
In his speech, U.S. Ambassador Kevin McGuire, reiterated sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister. He congratulated the groups present for successes that have been achieved, commending the considerable strengthening of existing linkages between citizens and their representatives at all levels, and the new connections within communities which have been established. He stated that CSDP-funded civic groups have come to be regarded as credible and competent bodies that may be entrusted with the task of representing local concerns and key interests.
Symposium participants spent the rest of the week sharing their successes and discussing problems, as well as how they could become involved in a range of planned national programs around constituency outreach, integrity and civic education. |
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YOUNG SCIENTISTS GIVE NAMIBIANS A PEEK INTO THE FUTURE
 A record number of 217 learners from 13 primary schools and 21 secondary schools in six regions of the country participated in Namibia`s 21st annual science fair, held September 10 through 12 at Polytechnic of Namibia. Over 170 projects in 17 different categories were submitted and evaluated. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded for exhibits ranging from HIV/AIDS to solar ovens to loudspeakers. There was even an award-winning exhibit on aliens! In addition to medals, winners also saw prizes in the form of certificates, trophies, overseas educational trips and cash.
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For the first time, delegations of young scientists from outside Namibia were invited to participate. Learners came from South Africa, Swaziland and Taiwan. The activities of the fair were capped with a formal dinner and cultural presentations by the regional and international delegations.
The fair was organized by the Namibia Mathematics and Science Teachers Association, with strong support from the Ministry of Basic Education, Sport and Culture. The main sponsors for the event were Namdeb, NamPower and USAID.
In its `Vision 2030` document, the Government of the Republic of Namibia recognizes that, "Great emphasis must be place on science and technology to enable nations to not only take advantage of the new economy but to function in it."Namibian planning documents increasingly highlight the need to strengthen the science and technology education provided by the nation`s schools. USAID`s support to the science fair is only the beginning of what will soon be a much larger effort to help Namibia`s education system build a workforce for the future. |
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