Niël Terblanché
While leading a multi-party parliamentary delegation, Professor Peter Katjavivi, the Speaker of the National Assembly, engaged with Namibian students studying at the Universidad Marta Abreu de Villa Clara.
On Sunday, Katjavivi and his delegation met with 10 of the 33 Namibian students pursuing various fields of study in Cuba.
While addressing the students, Katjavivi spoke about the transformative power of education, stating that their time in Cuba was not only for personal development but also an investment in the future of Namibia.
He encouraged the group of students to engage in their studies actively, pointing out that the skills and knowledge they acquire will be crucial for addressing the challenges Namibia faces, especially in areas such as infrastructure and nation-building.
He also spoke about Cuba’s reputation, rich history, and commitment to education, encouraging the students to embrace the opportunity to learn from the Cuban people and their culture.
“This would foster mutual appreciation and lasting connections between the two nations. As students, you play a crucial role in nation-building. Your education will empower you to address the challenges facing Namibia and promote positive change in your communities,” Katjavivi explained.
One of the students, Willy Losper, studying for a Master’s degree in Architecture, expressed gratitude for the visit.
Losper told the delegation how honoured they felt to be welcomed by the Speaker, especially as he shared stories about Cuba’s support for Namibia during its liberation struggle.
“We were selected by the Ministry of Works and Transport to study different career paths, and we believe that we will give back to Namibia with the skills we gain here,” Losper said.
The delegation’s visit to Cuba reiterated the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries, particularly in education and parliamentary diplomacy.
Namibia and Cuba have long shared deep historical ties, with Cuba providing critical support during Namibia’s struggle for independence.
The delegation’s visit is aimed at further enhancing the legislative and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
In recent discussions, Cuban and Namibian parliamentary leaders stressed their commitment to mutual collaboration, especially in areas of education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, which remain crucial for both nations’ progress.
The timing of the Namibian delegation’s visit coincided with the International Seminar on Parliamentary Diplomacy, an important event that fosters dialogue and legislative cooperation among countries.
This forum allowed the Namibian delegation to engage with Cuban lawmakers, further strengthening the legislative ties that will benefit both countries in the global diplomatic arena.
According to Losper, the delegation’s visit with the students brought a sense of home to them.
