Serving up community spirit as Namibia successfully holds Commonwealth Big Lunch

NDN Staffer

WINDHOEK, 24 APR – On Friday, 20 April, the British High Commission and Physically Active Youth Namibia (PAY) successfully hosted a Commonwealth Big Lunch for around 150 pupils in Katutura, Windhoek. Commonwealth Big Lunches, created by educational charity the Eden Project in partnership with the UK Government, encourage people to get together to celebrate their Commonwealth connections through food.

Kumbi Short, Deputy Chairperson PAY, and UK High Commissioner Kate Airey, OBE, cutting a “Commonwealth”

The Namibian version of the Big Lunch provided a meal for around 150 pupils. Furthermore like skill sessions for the learners were given by Hermien Elago, TV hostess and fitness inspiration; and Tanya Daringo, one of four Namibian Queen Young Achievers Award winners.

The Commonwealth Big Lunch was held locally, while the UK hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, bringing together up to 53 leaders from across the Commonwealth to London and Windsor from 16-20 April 2018.

Deputy Chairperson of PAY, Kumbi Short in her opening statement, said: “I am delighted to welcome you all to the Commonwealth Big Lunch being hosted here at the home of PAY. I call it our home, because very much like the Commonwealth itself, our raison d’être at PAY is founded on the idea of community and the idea that the sum of the parts is bigger than the whole.”
After the event, Kate Airey, OBE, British High Commissioner to Namibia, said: “Sharing the Commonwealth Big Lunch with the children and supporters of PAY was important to us because it embodies an important Commonwealth value: to make a better future for our young people. I am so impressed with the quality education that PAY provides to the children. It makes a huge difference and gives them the resources to realise their potential. This year CHOGM asked all world leaders to commit to 12 years of quality education.”

The Commonwealth Big Lunch in Namibia is one of many Commonwealth Big Lunches happening across the 53 Commonwealth nations from 12 March – Commonwealth Day – until Sunday 22 April.  Thousands of people from across the Commonwealth are coming together to celebrate, discover and share their Commonwealth links, stories and experiences with one another over a shared meal.