Omuthiya – The Oshikoto Directorate of Education, Arts and Culture (DEAC) has launched a week-long celebration of Heritage Week, aimed at appreciating and upholding the region’s cultural heritage. Senior Education Officer, Tangeni Uushona, spoke at the event’s commencement on Monday, emphasizing the integral role of culture in the community.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Uushona described culture as “the heartbeat of our community,” noting its expression through local songs, language, art, and traditions. He underscored the importance of culture in bringing people together, providing a platform to celebrate both uniqueness and shared humanity. The week’s activities, running from Monday to Friday, include heritage exhibitions, indigenous games, and workshops under the theme ‘Kultuur is Gemeenskap, Gemeenskap is Kultuur’—Afrikaans for ‘Culture is Community and Community is Culture.’

Ester Leonard, Chief Arts and Museum Administrator, highlighted a schedule packed with activities designed to showcase cultural heritage’s beauty and diversity. Leonard pointed out that Heritage Week serves as a period for the community to reflect on cultural preservation while embracing present-day progress and innovations. She also mentioned that notable heritage sites in the Oshikoto Region, such as Othithiya and Etosha National Park, would be open to the public free of charge during the celebration week.

Adding to the cultural celebration, local art entrepreneur Regina Nimufe shared her enthusiasm for the potential business boost. Nimufe plans to engage the community in creating their own businesses through workshops on making earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, anticipating increased customer interest spurred by the week’s events.