N$530 000 pledged for NFCPT gala dinner
A fundraising gala dinner for the 12th National Fish Consumption Day, which will be celebrated in Mariental on 14 September has so far raised N$530 000 in pledges.
This year’s festivities will be hosted under the theme ‘Nourishing Communities, Sustaining Futures.’
The National Fish Consumption Day is an annual event hosted by the Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT) that highlights the crucial role the fishery sector plays in Namibia’s socioeconomic development. Additionally, the day serves as a platform to promote fish consumption by educating the host region on its benefits.
Honour pledges
Fisheries minister Derek Klazen said over the past decade, the NFCPT and its stakeholders have raised over N$6.1 million through the fundraising event, which has been invested in various school necessities across Namibia.
“It is important to note that while N$410 000 was pledged during the 2023 gala dinner for the Zambezi Region, only N$335 000 was realised. I urge everyone to honour their pledges, as these contributions are vital to providing quality education for our children.”
Klazen reiterated that the funds raised will be used to procure essential school supplies identified by the Hardap Region's education directorate and will be channelled through the Hardap Regional Council under the decentralised policy.
Fish a luxury
He further highlighted the results from the recent fish consumption survey conducted by the University of Namibia’s research team to establish the per capita fish consumption in Namibia.
“The survey was conducted in June 2023 and shows an improvement in the per capita fish consumption from 16.59 kg to 18.07 kg. I am confident that with persistence and innovation, the target of 20.4 kg is now within reach. I am encouraging the NFCPT to continue educating communities on the nutritional benefits of fish, especially in the regions that are still lagging behind.”
He added that the Hardap Region remains one of the leading meat-consuming regions in Namibia, with fish consumption still seen as a luxury.
“The 2023 survey highlights that fish is consumed minimally in this region. This may be due to a lack of information on fish preparation, limited access, or other meats being more readily available. I urge all stakeholders to make this event impactful and ensure that the upcoming celebrations in Hardap are a success with active participation from key players in the fishing industry.”
As part of National Fish Consumption Day, a sports tournament is also currently underway, featuring netball and soccer games. The semi-finals and finals are set for 20 and 21 September at the Mariental Showgrounds.
This year’s festivities will be hosted under the theme ‘Nourishing Communities, Sustaining Futures.’
The National Fish Consumption Day is an annual event hosted by the Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT) that highlights the crucial role the fishery sector plays in Namibia’s socioeconomic development. Additionally, the day serves as a platform to promote fish consumption by educating the host region on its benefits.
Honour pledges
Fisheries minister Derek Klazen said over the past decade, the NFCPT and its stakeholders have raised over N$6.1 million through the fundraising event, which has been invested in various school necessities across Namibia.
“It is important to note that while N$410 000 was pledged during the 2023 gala dinner for the Zambezi Region, only N$335 000 was realised. I urge everyone to honour their pledges, as these contributions are vital to providing quality education for our children.”
Klazen reiterated that the funds raised will be used to procure essential school supplies identified by the Hardap Region's education directorate and will be channelled through the Hardap Regional Council under the decentralised policy.
Fish a luxury
He further highlighted the results from the recent fish consumption survey conducted by the University of Namibia’s research team to establish the per capita fish consumption in Namibia.
“The survey was conducted in June 2023 and shows an improvement in the per capita fish consumption from 16.59 kg to 18.07 kg. I am confident that with persistence and innovation, the target of 20.4 kg is now within reach. I am encouraging the NFCPT to continue educating communities on the nutritional benefits of fish, especially in the regions that are still lagging behind.”
He added that the Hardap Region remains one of the leading meat-consuming regions in Namibia, with fish consumption still seen as a luxury.
“The 2023 survey highlights that fish is consumed minimally in this region. This may be due to a lack of information on fish preparation, limited access, or other meats being more readily available. I urge all stakeholders to make this event impactful and ensure that the upcoming celebrations in Hardap are a success with active participation from key players in the fishing industry.”
As part of National Fish Consumption Day, a sports tournament is also currently underway, featuring netball and soccer games. The semi-finals and finals are set for 20 and 21 September at the Mariental Showgrounds.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article