Former Namibian students and teachers who once studied in Cuba met at Outapi in the Omusati Region for their annual reunion, celebrating the enduring solidarity and friendship between Namibia and Cuba.

The event reflected the support Cuba offered to young Namibians during the struggle for independence, when many who were in exile were sent to Cuba to pursue their education.

The first group of 600 Namibians was sent to Cuba in 1978, immediately after the Cassinga massacre.

The surviving children were sent to school, and in 1982, another group of 600 students followed when a second secondary school was constructed.

The alumni expressed gratitude for the solidarity given to them by Cuba, as their education was free of charge.

In 2012, former students and teachers then saw it fit to establish an annual reunion to celebrate their achievements and narrate their rich history, life stories, comradeship and hospitality they received during their stay in Cuba.

This reunion was held under the theme 'Celebrating the enduring legacy of Founding President Sam Nujoma and Fidel Castro Ruz'.

Cuba's Ambassador to Namibia, Sergio Vigoa De La Uz, also joined the celebration, saying the leader of the Cuban Revolution taught them to love Africa, especially Namibia.

He said Africa is an essential part of who Cubans are today.