The Donkerbos community had the opportunity to meet, mingle and share ancient stories as well as show off their creative skills to the tech team from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). With funding from the Embassy of Finland, NUST has created the Local Inclusive and Collaborative Technology Innovation Hub which aims to explore how digital technology can be used to develop or improve products and services in Namibia.
The project aims to include marginalized communities into the innovation process and to ensure that products developed by marginalized communities also have a chance to enter the market successfully. This could be in any form ranging from product production, storytelling, traditional knowledge etc. but with a tech component incorporated. The project is already working with a group of urban San, where they are developing augmented reality tourist accessories.
The DRFN as the liason between NUST and the community; through the project coordinator Ms. Belinda Thanises provides a summary of what transpired during this transfer of indegenous knowledge as well as more insight on this activity which can be read in the attached new story.
NUST web story - Donkerbos.pdf