The Namibian Academy for Tourism and Hospitality recently celebrated its annual Graduation 2004 at its offices in Mont Blanc Street 10.

The day was planned as an "open door" event, where not only the graduates, but also everyone, known or new to NATH could meet the Directors, lecturers and the students alike.

The day started off with champagne as a welcome with good conversations by many who met again for the first time since finalizing the NATH Badge or just participating for fun at the courses of that interested them.

The big trees in the back garden provided shade for the guests to sit and chat, while cool drinks and a delicious braai was prepared to make everyone feel at home. Music helped to keep the Graduation a joyful event, to enlarge the big family of NATH and introduce the students.

After Gabi Wheal welcomed the happy guests, Nicole Grünert, well-known geologist and author of "Namibia Fascination of Geology", as well as NATH lecturer, presented her public address for the specialized Badge III thesis. This is her last Badge to complete the highest qualification anyone can achieve at the Academy. Nicole has many years of experience as a guide.

Werner Talkenberg, also presented his specialized Badge III thesis about the "Herero uprising" and gave all listeners an inside view about the rituals and customs of the Herero people.

Both presentations were applauded with great enthusiasm, which made some people aware again, that our Country is blessed with a multitude of beautiful landscapes and unique aspects, and that knowledge about our interesting and diverse range of multi-cultural environments can only serve to enhance and broaden our behaviour and appreciation of one another for the betterment of all. Our tourism guests included.

At about 15h00 the presentation of the qualifications was celebrated and the Chairman of NATH, Hennie Fourie, presented the certificates of the different Badges to the successful students.

Two bursary students, Audie Swarts and Morgan Samulela received their Certificates from Mike Godfrey, TASA representative to the Board of Directors of NATH.

TASA has again, as in the past, contributed to the guiding industry with the generous sponsorship of two bursaries for the year. Mike was happy to congratulate these two students for having successfully accomplished the necessary requirements for the Badge I qualification. Both graduates can now start their work with the knowledge from their studies to gain more experiences in the practical Guiding world.

During the open day, Helmut zur Strassen provided the Guests with an extraordinary exhibition of geology samples from his superb collection. As usual, his expertise and special interest for this subject where highly appreciated and many students, were stunned with how much love and effort Helmut’s professional collection was prepared.

A great Celebration!