Master’s Student from Germany visits Katima Mulilo Campus
Aligned with the extensive relationships forged through the collaborative research Centre Future Rural Africa, the bonds of international collaboration were further strengthened as the Katima Mulilo Campus of the University of Namibia welcomed Leonie Hesselmann, a master’s student in Geography from the University of Cologne, Germany.
Leonie, who was conducting research for her Master’s thesis investigating entrepreneurship in the tourism sector in the Zambezi region, embarked on an academic journey filled with warmth, hospitality and academic enlightenment during her visit to the campus, located 1 400km from the capital city of Windhoek.
She arrived at the Katima Mulilo Campus end of August 2023, sparking excitement within the Department of Wildlife Management and Tourism Studies. The department, renowned for its strong international partnerships, embraced her with open arms, setting the tone for a memorable research expedition.
Leonie started her research by engaging with the wildlife management and tourism studies students, discussing their career aspirations and thoughts about entrepreneurship to explore the current entrepreneurial spirit among the students and the perceived conditions for tourism entrepreneurship in the region. Conversations with UNAM lecturers and various stakeholders involved in tourism in the region helped her gain a more in-depth understanding of the prevailing conditions for local entrepreneurship in the region.
Fruitful collaboration between local and international academics
A key aspect in ensuring the success of Leonie’s research was a group of dedicated wildlife management and tourism studies students at the campus. Their support ensured that Leonie’s interviews with local students progressed smoothly, underscoring the fruitful collaboration between local and international academics. The openness and willingness of a variety of tourism stakeholders in the region further contributed to her successful fieldwork.
As Leonie’s research journey concluded on 13 September, she expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and support she received from the Department of Wildlife Management and Tourism Studies. “I would like to acknowledge especially the Head of Department, Dr. Evans Simasiku, Dr. Lucas Rutina, Dr. Ekkehard Klingelhoeffer and Dr. Hove Kudakwasha,” said an ecstatic Leonie. She particularly highlighted the hospitality extended to her by Dr. Klingelhoeffer, who actively engaged local students in discussions with Leonie and even took a group of students and Leonie to explore some of the lodges in the Zambezi Region, leaving a permanent mark on her visit.
Before Leonie’s departure, she had the pleasure of meeting Ms Karen Mubonenwa, the Marketing Officer of Katima Mulilo Campus, who kindly offered tokens of appreciation that deeply touched her. These acts of kindness just further served to underscore the warm and welcoming spirit of the University of Namibia community.
Katima Mulilo Campus: The future of academic excellence
Leonie’s visit to the University of Namibia was not solely about academic pursuits but also about building lasting friendships and connections. This is how she explained it: “The kindness and hospitality I have experienced during my stay exceeded my expectations.” Leonie is eager to return to Katima Mulilo Campus in 2024, solidifying the bonds of international collaboration. Before her departure, she had the chance to tour the site of the new wildlife & tourism department building currently under construction. There, they met the project manager, who courteously guided them through the future of academic excellence that this institution promises.
According to the Assistant Director of International Relations, Dr Romanus Shivoro, Leonie’s successful visit underscores the significance of international collaboration in academia. “Her presence reaffirms that knowledge knows no boundaries, and we are committed to offering genuine warmth and hospitality to our exchange students.”
Katima Mulilo Campus eagerly anticipates future opportunities to host students and researchers from around the world, nurturing a global community of scholars united by their passion for learning and discovery.
Original story by Daniel Munyanya. Daniel is a BSc. in Wildlife Management & Tourism Studies student at the Katima Mulilo Campus, UNAM.
