The National Museum of Namibia first decided to start an annual Museum Day. With help from the Museums Association of Namibia (MAN) who partnered with the Museum, this day was spread throughout all fourteen regions of the country. The day was extended to a week-long celebration when the National Heritage council and other stakeholders joined in, officially making the celebration Namibian Heritage Week. This year, Namibian Heritage Week 2018 was held from 17-23 September.

The Heritage Week Team, made up of Namibia’s major heritage institutions, worked together to create a campaign encouraging Namibians to celebrate, visit, and protect the country’s natural and cultural heritage. This year’s theme was “Turuganeni Kumwe” which means “Let’s work together” in Rukwangali.

The goals for this special week included working together with the government, organizations, and individuals from all fourteen regions of Namibia, to truly make this an annual and national event. Namibian Heritage Week aims to empower each Namibian with the ability to keep their culture alive, pass on traditions and knowledge, and take pride in their heritage.

As part of the Heritage Week Team’s efforts to facilitate activities and involvement from organizations and individuals, they have created The Heritage Week Fund. This year the Fund was provided by the National Arts Council of Namibia, granting a maximum of N$10,000 to one of MAN’s institutional and associate members to create a program of activities for Heritage Week.

For more information on Namibian Heritage Week, email: museums@iway.na; Instagram: @namibian_heritage_week; Facebook: Namibian Heritage Week; Twitter: @NamHeritageWeek