31 Jul 2018

Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) student community recently came together to celebrate culture. 

The day, which was marked by song and dance from various cultures, was held under the theme Enhancing and Instilling Cultural Diversity. 

Dean of school of graduate studies, Prof. Victor Mocanu said cultural diversity was a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life. 

He said BIUST’s intention is to promote community, national, regional and international development through the transfer of the university’s knowledge and the provision of its skill and expertise, adding that this can go a long way if it is complemented by the positive enhancement of social and cultural norms by and within the university. 

“I would like to challenge each one of us to reflect on the prevailing status of cultural development and appreciation in BIUST and Botswana in general, in order to motivate a conscious decision to contribute fully in the promotion and the development of international diversity through culture,” he said. 

Prof. Mocanu further said in 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, which birthed the National Culture Policy of 2001, through whose rationale educational institutions like BIUST being encouraged to popularise participation in cultural activities as a necessary factor of social justice and an effective tool of social integration and international intercourse. 

For her part, acting dean of student affairs and campus life, Lucia Mmereki said BIUST, as an international university, had a cosmopolitan culture and as such it was important to understand and integrate other cultures. 

She said culture describes people and differentiates them from others.  

The day was marked by performances from Chinese and Indian people, Mafitlhakgosi Traditional Dance Group, Ditiro, Mogote Choir and other local groups. ENDS