Over 400 students graduated from the University of Namibia's Rundu Campus on Thursday. The graduates received qualifications in various fields, marking the end of their academic journey and the start of new paths in their careers. Family members, friends, and academic staff gathered to celebrate their hard work and achievements.

The 426 graduates all walked away with qualifications in the fields of accounting and auditing, business administration, entrepreneurship and new venture management, education, heritage and conservation management, and nursing science.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and sighs of relief with graduates realising that their hard work has finally paid off.

Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Dr Emma Kantema, told the graduates that the government is committed to supporting their transition into the workplace.

Former President and UNAM Chancellor, Nangolo Mbumba, told the graduates that the more people are educated, the easier it becomes to fight the scourges of poverty and unemployment.

A number of graduates nbc News spoke to say their academic journey was riddled with struggles like financial difficulties, a lack of basic resources, emotional and mental stress and the inability to find a balance between work, life and school. Despite that, they eventually made it, and these are their dreams for the future.

Out of the 426 graduates, 64% are women.