Namibia Celebrates Mother Language Day!

The UNESCO International Mother Language Day celebration has finally reached Namibia! Hosted by UNESCO and in partnership with various stakeholders, the event took place on 21 February, at the GZ Function Centre in Windhoek, in form of a Seminar on the future of Namibia's Mother Languages.

Honourable Anna Esther Nghipondoka, Deputy Minister,
MoAC, delivering a keynote address

Among the guest speakers were: His Worship Councillor Muesee Kazapua (Mayor of Windhoek), Honourable Laura Mcloed-Katjirua (Governor, Khomas Region) and Honourable Esther Nghipondoka (Deputy Minister, MoEAC), who delivered the keynote address.

Director and UNESCO Representative to Namibia, Dr Jean-Pierre Ilboudo, made an opening statement and stressed the significance of UNESCO International Mother Language Day for Namibia.

The event was chaired by Fr Rod April (Secretary General - NATCOM), who presided over the official part, as well as Ms Gwen Lister, (Namibia Media Trust), who facilitated a panel discussion on development of publishing, promotion and preservation of Namibian local languages.

From left: Mr Axaro Thaniseb, Dr Jean-Pierre Ilboudo,
Hon. Laura Mcloed-Katjirua, Hon. Anna Esther Nghipondoka,
His Worship Councillor Muesee Kazapua and Mr Sidney Boois

Namibia Publishing House as the main publisher of textbooks and literature in local languages was there to take part in the Seminar and the panel discussions. We hope that this event will generate a much needed revival in the cultivation of Namibia's local languages.

From left: Mr Axaro Thaniseb,  Hon. Laura Mcloed-Katjirua, Hon. Anna Esther Nghipondoka, 
His Worship Councillor Muesee Kazapua, Dr Jean-Pierre Ilboudo and Fr Rod April

Eldorado High School Choir

Eldorado High School Choir and the Ondunga Cultural Group performed several songs in the local languages to the great entertainment of the audience.

Ondunga Cultural Group