Prof Dr Corinne Gantenbein-Demarchi

Strengthening Food Safety Education in Namibia: A Personal Reflection

Returning to Namibia for my eighth assignment at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) felt like coming back to a familiar and inspiring journey. This time, I once again had the privilege of working with the Environmental Health students (EHS) from the Health Science Department on a three-week project – one that never fails to be both enlightening and rewarding.

My mission remained clear: to spark students’ curiosity about food microbiology and highlight the crucial role of food safety in everyday life. This year, however, the stakes felt even higher. With several foodborne illnesses across Namibia in the last years, particularly in rural areas, the need for practical, science-based interventions has never been more pressing. Against this backdrop, students worked in teams to assess a traditional dish, identifying potential health risks and proposing improvements in preparation, storage, and handling.

A Growing Partnership with NUST

The collaboration between B360 and NUST academic staff has been a cornerstone of this initiative. Over the years, we’ve built a strong foundation of trust, open dialogue, and a shared vision for educational excellence. The willingness of faculty members to embrace innovative approaches – especially in laboratory work – has been instrumental in providing students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

One remarkable development this year was again the significant increase in student participation. More than 50 students of 2nd year joined the course EHS Food Safety. This growing interest is an encouraging sign that awareness of food safety is expanding, and it underscores the importance of sustaining and further developing this initiative.

Students at the Heart of the Project

The Food Safety Project continues to be the heart of our three-week program, bridging academic knowledge with real-world applications. Given the recent outbreaks of food poisoning, students dedicated themselves to studying traditional food preparation methods, analyzing potential risks, and exploring solutions. Through a combination of theoretical learning and laboratory investigations, they gained their first practical experience, which helped them understand food safety challenges and begin developing problem-solving skills.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is witnessing students' enthusiasm as they conduct experiments and uncover findings firsthand. Their curiosity and dedication reaffirm the importance of practical training in shaping competent and informed professionals.

A Meaningful Exchange of Knowledge

Education is a two-way street, and this project is a testament to the power of shared learning. The exchange of ideas between students and lecturers creates a dynamic, enriching environment where everyone grows. It is inspiring to see the passion and drive of Namibian students, many of whom view education as a stepping stone to a better future. Through the B360 education partnership, we remain committed to supporting their aspirations and equipping them with the tools to succeed.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

Of course, no journey is without its challenges, but the rewards far outweigh them. With over three decades of experience in education, I have witnessed firsthand its transformative power. Seeing the impact of learning on “my Namibian students” only strengthens my belief in this mission.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in the B360 education partnership for their hard work and commitment. It is a privilege to collaborate with my colleagues at NUST. I look forward to continuing our efforts to positively impact students’ lives. I remain dedicated to working closely with B360 and NUST, with the invaluable support of my colleagues from ZHAW in Switzerland. Together, we can further enhance the educational experience for EHS students and NUST staff, driving meaningful progress in food safety education and beyond.