ELO 5 CONCEPTS

Our people are those people with whom we live together in our community,
village, town, city, or country. Namibia has 12 different cultural groups. Prior
to independence, the different ethnic groups lived separately .There has been
minimal or no contact between different groups, especially in rural areas. After
independence, with the advent of freedom of movement and association, our
people started to mingle with each other. Coming into contact with other
cultural groups is of great benefit to all. People learn about other‘s way of l
iving, they also come to know about the diversity of our cultures , share ideas,
appreciate , understand and accommodate people from other cultures,

CULTURE

A characteristic of a group of people which is seen/evident in language,

food/cuisine, festivals, ceremonies, art, values, beliefs, traditions and norms.

TRADITION: A practice that is handed down from one generation to the other,.
Often, this is done by word of mouth or practically. Examples: First meal of
new harvest (Oshipe), Sowing of seeds, making clay pots , woodcarving,
folklores at the fireplace.

NORMS: Standard or typical ways of doing thing, which are considered

appropriate in a specific culture. What is considered normal or correct in a
culture. Examples it is inappropriate to look elders in the eyes, standing
before/ behind elders, using the left hand etc.

VALUES: One‘s judgment of what is important to him in life. Examples:

generosity, support, love, compassion, volunteering etc.

FESTIVALS: Days or periods of celebrations, typically held annually at the

same time or location. Examples; WIKA festival (Afrikaners)l,
Oktoberfest( Germans) Maharero Day ( Herero), Omagongo festival, Olufuko
etc.

CEREMONIES: Formal religious or cultural observances. There are certain

rituals performed during such occasions. Examples: naming of baby,
circumcision, baby shower, funeral, throwing first food to ancestors during
oshipe etc.