The Goethe-Institut and the University of Namibia (UNAM) recently hosted the closing event of the ‘Museum Outreach Programme’ aimed at strengthening civil society and cultural diversity in Namibia through social cohesion, inter-ethnic dialogue, and cultural tolerance.
The project was funded by the European Union with approximately N.dollars 4 million and the Goethe-Institut with approximately N.dollars 1.3 million and jointly implemented by the Goethe-Institut Namibia and the UNAM over 46 months.
EU Ambassador to Namibia Ana-Beatriz Martins told Nampa on Tuesday that important achievements under the project include among others the strengthening of cultural rights particularly of marginalised and indigenous communities.
She pointed out that strengthening community-based museums empowers local communities and indigenous minorities to express their culture, preserve their traditions and provide a sense of belonging and the opportunity to explore their roots.
The ambassador further encouraged Namibians to s
upport and cherish the invaluable community-based and community-run museums.
‘Let us continue to visit, volunteer, and engage with them, ensuring that our rich tapestry of cultures and traditions remains intact and thrives,’ she said.
Dennis Schroeder, director of the Goethe-Institut Namibia, on his part said the initiative focused on three pillars to transform Namibia’s museums and heritage sector, which included transforming community-based museums into interactive spaces, empowering local community-based museums into interactive spaces, empowering local communities and indigenous minorities through conservation training, and professionalizing heritage practitioners.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency