Diplomatic spouses, NUST host colourful bazaar to raise funds for students in need
Unity through diversity
The International Food and Craft Bazaar was held under the theme 'Education: The Gateway to Your Future' and featured more than 25 countries showcasing their culture in unique ways.
The Association of Diplomatic Spouses (ADS) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) hosted the International Food and Craft Bazaar last weekend to raise funds for students at NUST's Eenhana campus.The bazaar, held under the theme 'Education: The Gateway to Your Future', featured more than 25 countries showcasing their food and culture in unique ways. The event took place on Saturday at the NUST Hotel School.
According to Kaitira Kandjii, the director of the Alumni and the NUST Foundation, the fundraiser is important because it can help address many welfare issues that students face on campus.
Kandjii said the ADS of Namibia donated N$75 000 towards the Enhana Student Welfare Fund, which has set a goal of raising more than N$100 000.
Improving education
Kandjii explained that the need for the fundraiser surfaced when it became clear that the students needed a hostel and a means to address many other difficulties. He explained that most students at the campus live in nearby villages, making commuting difficult for them.
“Students are facing a lot of challenges. They don't have a hostel, so they mostly stay in villages around the center. Most of them come from a very rural background, so their parents don’t have the resources to even take them to university."
He added that the students do not even have any shops near the campus and often go hungry throughout the day. He said that the fundraiser is also aimed at assisting with scholarships.
“We are raising funds to assist them with scholarships but also to help them with meal and welfare issues that the students are facing at the campus,” said Kandjii.
Celebrating diversity
The bazaar marked a colourful celebration of culture and diversity, with countries like Angola showcasing their style with a fashion show and China gracing the stage with a traditional dance.
Among the countries represented at the fair were France, Spain, Angola, Ghana, Italy, Russia, Indonesia, China, South Africa, Botswana, Cuba, Brazil, Finland, Türkiye, Algeria, Portugal, Nigeria, Malaysia, Kenya, Germany, India, Egypt, DRC Congo, and many others. They hosted stalls and displayed handcrafted items representing their cultures, accompanied by delicious traditional cuisines.
NUST and ADS Namibia emphasised that they are continuing to spearhead efforts to reach the target of N$100 000 for the student fund.