Teaching Namibian children the value of diversity
Tools to enhance cultural understanding
There are many effective ways teachers, parents and guardians can ensure their children appreciate the values and customs of diverse cultures.
In a diverse country like Namibia, it is crucial to teach children the values of respect and appreciation for different cultures.One effective way to teach children about different cultures is through storytelling.
Audrey Haoses, a grade two teacher at Spes Bona Primary School, emphasised the importance of storytelling in her classroom.
"When children hear stories from different cultures, they begin to see the world from various perspectives. It helps them understand that while we may have different traditions, we share common values like kindness and respect," she said.
By incorporating these stories into the classroom, teachers can provide students with a deeper understanding of the country's cultural heritage.
For instance, sharing the San's tales of the 'Trickster Jackal' or the Herero's legends about the 'Sacred Fire' can captivate children's imaginations while teaching them about the values and customs of different communities.
Share customs
Furthermore, Hoases said that cultural exchange activities are another powerful method.
“We have cultural days where children come dressed in traditional Himba, Damara, or Ovambo clothing and share their customs, which can be both educational and fun. These experiences teach children to value and respect the uniqueness of each culture,” she added.
Janet Beukas, a preschool teacher at Primrose Academy, believes that hands-on experiences are invaluable.
"When children participate in cultural exchange activities, they gain first-hand knowledge and appreciation of different traditions. It goes beyond textbooks and fosters real connections and understanding," Beukas said.
Integrating cultural education into the curriculum is another effective strategy. Subjects like social studies, history, and arts can be tailored to include lessons about Namibia's various ethnic groups.
Teachers can incorporate projects that require students to research and present on different cultures, encouraging them to explore and respect their classmates' backgrounds.
For instance, a project on Namibian festivals such as the Ovambo's Olufuko Festival or the Nama's traditional games can provide insightful learning experiences.
Beukas said it is important to teach children to be bilingual.
“Namibia is home to numerous languages, and encouraging children to learn and speak multiple languages can bridge cultural gaps. Simple practices like greeting each other in different languages, she said.
Parents also play a crucial role in teaching children about cultural respect at home. They can expose their children to various cultural experiences through books, movies and family outings to cultural sites.