The United States is not the only country dealing with the persistent problems of racism. In Namibia, which won its independence from South Africa in 1990, there are 11 ethnic groups. Until 1990, the nation was run essentially as an extension of South Africa, which meant that whites (the third largest ethnic group) controlled 65% of property and most services were restricted to the southern, urban part of the country. A few years ago the country decided it was time to change these policies. The University of Namibia once had one campus, located in Windhoek, the capital city. Now there is a second branch in Oshakati in the northern part of the country. Unfortunately, old prejudices die hard. The main campus serves a racially mixed population, with a high proportion of whites. This campus also claims most of the resources available for higher education funding – including the purchase and cataloging of library books. The northern campus is largely left to fend for itself and its predominantly Ovambo population.

How does this affect us? Since 2001 the Chapel of the Cross has been working with UNAM Northern Campus officials to provide library materials for their new library. This past fall we sent more than 1100 titles (about 1400 books) to Namibia, thanks in large part to donations of used books by parishioners and other kind souls. We are now working to purchase books off a ‘wish list’ that will support curricular and community needs in health, business, and general studies.

If you would like to help, consider making a monetary donation to the UNAM Library drive. You can designate your contribution to support a particular book or subject area in the collection, if you choose. A display in the parlor has complete details, or you may contact KT Vaughan.

Send items for inclusion in future "Cross Roads."
The deadline is the first Thursday of the preceeding month.

© 2003 The Chapel of the Cross