Heart health – “your setback is just a set-up for your comeback”
A three-way partnership between the University of Namibia, Cardiff University in the United Kingdom and JA Nel Senior Secondary School in Keetmanshoop, this week launched a national health campaign with specific emphasis on heart health.
The Heart Health Namibia campaign uses web pages, social media content, leaflets, branding, short films and community engagement. The motto is Your Heart, Your Choice. A dedicated website was created at www.hearthealthnamibia.com .
The campaign is part of Cardiff University’s Phoenix Project, a partnership with UNAM to improve health and reduce poverty in Namibia.
The campaign launch followed two weeks of attending a demanding UniCamp where the Keetmanshoop learners, under the mentorship of the university students, used various technology platforms to craft and disseminate their special message.
Chantel Kaffer, 18, of JA Nel Senior Secondary School, said: “We are privileged to be part of the UniCamp. Many of us didn’t know the risk factors to an unhealthy heart but now we know they are diet, smoking, alcohol and lack of exercise. We want people to hear about our Heart Health campaign so they can live longer and healthier lives. What I’m trying to say is that your setback is just a set-up for your comeback.”
Revonia Lambert added “At the UniCamp I have gained skills, improved my language and knowledge, and learned table manners, new games, songs and how to work in a group. Our Heart Health Campaign educates people about the dangers of heart disease and we hope that young people will be taught early on and pass the knowledge to the next generation. We want to inform the public through our awareness programme.”
Cardiff University’s Scott McKenzie said the motivation behind the UniCamp is to raise the aspirations of learners so that they will want to attend university.
The health campaign is supported by the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon Julieta Kavetuna who said she was “delighted to see the young people of Namibia, both students and learners, making a real contribution to the health of our nation”.
