Schools in the Zambezi Region, particularly those operating under the jurisdiction of the Mayeyi Traditional Authority, are organising a series of cultural exhibitions designed to enhance the visibility of their traditions and transmit their customs to youth.
The project was initiated by a researcher affiliated with one of the conservancy areas – with support from a US-based organisation.
Dr. Jessica Lavelle is a researcher in the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science at the University of Cape Town, currently based in the Balyerwa Conservancy, conducting research on various topics.
The idea for a cultural expo, she says, emerged from her ongoing research into Mayeyi culture and a desire to promote its customs and traditions in line with the conservancy's work.
"In working with the conservancy, you want to know what the culture behind the conservancy is. The conservancy is looking at conservation, and it's looking at wildlife and tourism, but who are the people behind that? And what I was interested in trying to find out is how people's customs and culture and traditions relate to the conservancy programmes that are being implemented."
Mbambazi Primary School's principal, Obert Simasiku, noted that events like these are significant, as they assist in nurturing knowledge among learners of their history.
"Culture is part and parcel of our curriculum, which needs to be integrated to help our learners know where they are coming from. Such initiatives need to continue. We have engaged the coordinator who is here so that we continue with this event, but next year we want it to be in collaboration with the Heritage Day that is set on the calendar of activities for the Ministry of Education."
He added that the skills taught to the younger generation by the elders may also serve as a source of income for them if they can work with their hands to create items that can be sold.
Speaking on behalf of the Mayeyi traditional authority was Senior Induna, Matheus Vuyalo. He called on the organisers to "not stop here; carry on teaching our children so that they may learn and know our traditions and culture from the beginning. Mayeyi people are very knowledgeable about culture, so let us not hide it. Even the traditional dance that took place here is from the Mayeyi people, but it has been embraced all over the world, all over Namibia."
The cultural expos were hosted at various schools in the area, including Lyanshulu Primary, Mbambazi and Sauzuo, and the last one will take place at Mukorofu Primary School next week.