You are currently viewing ‘Let’s eat fish’ – The Namibian

‘Let’s eat fish’ – The Namibian


THE Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT) launched its 10th National Fish Consumption Day (NFCD) on Friday at Walvis Bay.

The day promotes the consumption of fish at regional level, by engaging the public, specifically in the host region, about the health benefits of consuming fish, as well as the economic benefits of trading with fish.

Organisers interacted with school-going children to impart skills on the preparation and cooking of different fish dishes, through cooking demonstrations and tastings, in order to raise funds towards education.

The event, which brings the fishing industry, business community and public together to celebrate the fisheries sector, will be held in the Khomas region this year.

The NFCD was initiated in 2012 by NFCPT with the support of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

It has been hosted by nine regions so far, including Erongo, Omaheke, Omusati, Otjozondjupa, Oshana, Kavango West, Kunene, Oshikoto and //Kharas regions. The trust through the NFCD initiative raises funds for regional educational development purposes in the host region. These funds are collected by the trust, which in turn procure school items that are needed by the host region through the regional authority.

Over N$5 million has been raised through fundraising gala dinners and invested in the host regions’ basic education. Fisheries and marine resources minister Derek Klazen encouraged support from companies towards the event, as the initiative is the only way that the fishing industry shares the benefits of the country’s fisheries with the wider Namibian community.

“The industry pays fishing levies, quota fees and taxes, which are in turn distributed through the national budget to all regions in the country to build roads, schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure. Therefore, the NFCD donations are a top-up of the fisheries sectors contribution to society, which comes with the educational component of imparting culinary skills and socio-economic benefits of consuming fish.”

He said proceeds from the fisheries sector are used to invest into government state coffers.

“When companies want a fishing quota, they make promises. Some honour their promises, but others do not commit. When they see that it is quota time, they call a few children, give them each a tin of fish and say it is social responsibility. We will work on going to companies to see if the needs of the people are addressed,” Klazen said.

Events will run from 10 to 28 October, and will include 19 netball and 18 football (18) school teams competing against each other.

There will also be an educational and sales road show from 24 to 28 October, within the Khomas region. A gala dinner will be held on 26 October at Droombos in Windhoek, while a market day will be held on 29 October at Zoo Park, with exhibitions and cooking competitions, live music shows, a kiddies corner and a street parade.





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