Interview Kaeqce N!ani

Interview Kaeqce N!ani

Get to know JDF Board Member Kaeqce N!ani (also known as Kallie). He is junior traditional counselor, translator, hunter, father and grandfather.

What is your profession? 

I’m a junior traditional counsellor and I also do translations for meetings. I like my job as a translator so I can help my community and others to understand what is said.

In the past I helped by transcribing old stories. There was a big project in Botswana and Namibia where old stores were translated in English. [Resulting in the book; “Ju/’hoan Folktales: Transcriptions and English Translations” (2009) by Megan Biesele (editor).]

I also help with the translation of schoolbooks for the Ju/’hoan schools, together with the National Institute of Educational Development. I worked on all subjects: from environmental studies to mathematics.

Kaeqce translating at Nyae Nyae Village Schools Project Conference 2016

Kaeqce translating at Nyae Nyae Village Schools Project Conference 2016

How is it to live in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy?

I like living here, because of the people, language, landscape, the space and flora and fauna. The area is beautiful all year around, but I mostly like winter, because it is the hunting season.

My favourite animals are the kudu, oryx and giraffe. I also like the lions, although they are dangerous, but they are not so dangerous if you know how to deal with them.

Giraffes in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy

Giraffes in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy

You are a board member of the Ju’hoansi Development Fund. Why is education important?

Education is very important, because everyone needs to read and write. To write your name, to use money wisely and to live a healthy life.  In modern times with new technology you have to go to school to get jobs.

For Ju/’hoan culture education is also important. Although learning in school is a modern thing -our parents didn’t go to school, we now need to learn to read and write in your own language.

As a parent, what is your experience with the schools in the Nyae Nyae region?  

I have two daughters: they are 17 and 13 years old. Me and my wife are divorced but we are both still involved with our children. My youngest is in school and we try to support her as much as possible, but sometimes it is difficult. She goes to the mixed school in Tsumkwe and there is sometimes discrimination from both teachers and other learners.

My oldest is now married and has a baby-girl, so I’m a grandfather. I hope my granddaughter will go to school when she is bigger and I will try to support her with that.

What is your wish for the future?

The next generation -my grandchildren- have to attend school and learn how to take care of themselves and of their family and community. My wish for the future is a poverty free generation.

 

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