In Conclusion...

What challenges does Namibia face as it moves into the future in terms of the preservation of its various tribal cultures?

Despite its youth, Namibia is a country taking bold steps towards her future. The country has innovative plans to educate her citizens and to improve their living conditions. Every year, 25% of tax monies go toward education and the country has set up a 14 year plan to turn townships into stone house villages complete with running water and electricity. These measures indicate that Namibia is changing, becoming more Westernized. While encouraging education and sanitation are positive steps for Namibia, the country must be careful to improve the quality of life for her citizens while also preserving the rich tribal culture. Two of the major challenges will come from education and technology.

Ironically, education will present a challenge to Namibia's tribal cultures. Many of the traditions do not have a positive result; in fact, sometimes the results are negative. For example, the Himba people extract the bottom two teeth once a person reaches adulthood. This action has no positive benefit. Rather, the effect is negative because it provides an opportunity for unnecessary education and reduces their ability to eat properly. As the children in these cultures begin to be educated, they will begin to refuse to take part in these rituals. While some may argue that that is a good thing, it is still a tragedy because a part of the culture will be lost. The government will be placed in the difficult situation of deciding whether to encourage the preservation of a culture or to encourage the culture in a new, healthier direction.

The widespread availability of technology will change Namibia forever. To truly be a significant presence in the future, the people of Namibia must have access to internet. Although this will provide them with endless business and social opportunities, it will also provide them with visions of success that they have never before had access. In Africa, all the people seem so happy. This is because they do not know any other lifestyle than the one they have experienced their entire life. They do not know that there are houses grander than any building in their country. They do not know that people can earn over $50,000 a year. These thoughts have never entered their minds. When internet arrives, the knowledge of such wealth will be inevitable. This knowledge will cause disappointment and discouragement. They will realize that their tribal culture is not the epitome of living and they will want something different. The people will begin to reject their cultures in search of something more fulfilling. It will be a challenge for Namibia to encourage these people to keep their cultures alive. They must be educated on the value of their cultures or they will disappear altogether.

From the time I spent in Africa, I believe that the country will handle these challenges with finesse. They have shown great foresight and I do not think that the country has neglected to consider the impact their decisions will have on their tribal cultures. The government and the people of Namibia have great respect and pride for their tribal cultures. Although these challenges will be very challenging, I have faith in the government's ability to treat them with the care that they deserve.