Saving the environment one laugh at a time
Doing things differently seems to be this year's motto as local comedians become educators.
Comedians, in partnership with Eduventure under the Namibian National Museum, have been saving the environment one comedy show at a time. Comedians Slick, Iileka, Courage the Comedian and Fernando Tafish have been touring Namibian towns for the past months, seeing over ten schools in Rundu and Oshakati. Speaking to tjil, Tafish says the aim is to create awareness for the public with the emphasis on school kids.
“It's very funny because as an artist, I never really paid attention to environmental issues until now. I have sat with scientists who have explained to me the situation we are in, why we should care and how we can help prevent further harm. I didn't know important it was but now I know how that we have a lot of work to do and I also know why,” he said.
The comedians have so far held shows for over 300 students and learners from the towns visited, excluding members of the public. The comedians were called on board to try a different approach to getting attention to the topic of discussion. Tafish said it has been busy as they were required to do a lot of research and perform to a panel of scientists who would okay the jokes depending on how factual they were.
“It has been a learning experience for all of us. Everyone has a part to play on how to take care of our planet. This can be done by not accepting plastic bags in shopping malls and using paper bags instead. It also includes servicing our cars on time and keeping our homes clean,” he said.
The grand finale will be held in Windhoek at the NTN on 20 July. Students with student cards get in for free, otherwise it is N$20 at the door. Tafish said the environmental journey does not end here as he will be going to Zambia for the Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa annual conference in September to perform.
June Shimuoshili
“It's very funny because as an artist, I never really paid attention to environmental issues until now. I have sat with scientists who have explained to me the situation we are in, why we should care and how we can help prevent further harm. I didn't know important it was but now I know how that we have a lot of work to do and I also know why,” he said.
The comedians have so far held shows for over 300 students and learners from the towns visited, excluding members of the public. The comedians were called on board to try a different approach to getting attention to the topic of discussion. Tafish said it has been busy as they were required to do a lot of research and perform to a panel of scientists who would okay the jokes depending on how factual they were.
“It has been a learning experience for all of us. Everyone has a part to play on how to take care of our planet. This can be done by not accepting plastic bags in shopping malls and using paper bags instead. It also includes servicing our cars on time and keeping our homes clean,” he said.
The grand finale will be held in Windhoek at the NTN on 20 July. Students with student cards get in for free, otherwise it is N$20 at the door. Tafish said the environmental journey does not end here as he will be going to Zambia for the Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa annual conference in September to perform.
June Shimuoshili
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