The NUST CAREER FAIR 2024:

Robert Hihangwapo and Tjihimise Kaunatjike, interns under the Faculty of Computing and Informatics demoed the Narrative Hand Gestures game in the VR at the NUST CAREER FAIR 2024.
In partnership with the Ju/’Hoansi community in Namibia, we’ve created a gesture-controlled
VR application based on a traditional hunting story. Developed using Unity, users navigate through
interactive scenes, engaging with objects and NPCs through hand gestures. Community members contribute to the design for cultural authenticity. Validation by community youth and elders ensured cultural representation and narrative immersion. This VR experience preserves and shares the rich cultural heritage of the Ju/’Hoansi people.

The atmosphere was electric as curious students and enthusiastic corporate professionals gathered around our booth, eager to experience the immersive world we had crafted.

As the learners approached, their eyes widened with wonder at the sight of the Oculus Quest 2 headset.
It was a joyous moment to witness their excitement as we introduced them to the marvels of Virtual Reality. Guiding them through the interactive narrative, we watched with delight as their faces lit up with awe and fascination with each hand gesture they made, interacting with the virtual environment.

But it wasn’t just the students who were captivated by our project. Corporate attendees were equally intrigued by the innovative use of technology and the cultural significance behind the VR experience. They too tried the headset, immersing themselves in the rich narrative incorporated with the traditional hunting story of the Ju/’Hoansi community.

Our collaboration with the Ju/’Hoansi community in Namibia was a cornerstone of our project’s success.
By incorporating their cultural insights and contributions, we ensured authenticity and respect for their heritage. The validation process, involving both youth and elders, further solidified our commitment to cultural representation and narrative immersion.

Overall, our experience at the NUST Career Fair was nothing short of exciting.
It was a privilege to share our passion for Virtual Reality with the next generation and to witness the genuine interest and engagement from both students and professionals alike. Through our project, we not only showcased technological innovation but also celebrated and preserved
the rich cultural heritage of the Ju/’Hoansi people, leaving a lasting impact on all who experienced our VR narrative.

Imagine stepping into a new reality in a blink. That’s the experience many festival-goers had at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) stall during the Luderitz Crayfish Festival.

The initial look on their faces? A mix of confusion and amusement. All they could grasp is their hands together followed by a “wow” after they have taken a look around the new reality they find themselves in.

“What is this?” “Can I touch it?” – these were the most common questions I was flooded with. The adventurous one dove right in, eager to interact with the virtual world. Others, a little more cautious, stood back and took it all in while they await further instructions.

The NUST stall was filled with a bunch of activities. Our admin team was there to answer questions about the university, detailing the exciting courses and programs offered. The Hikakuse team kept the crowd entertained with trivia quizzes related to NUST, the festival itself, and anything else that sparked their curiosity, and the victor will receive good prizes and our VR corner. Here, festival-goers got to experience two immersive virtual games: a thrilling San hunting adventure and  Escape Room Candy Land.

We even had some esteemed guests join the fun! The Mayor of Luderitz and the Vice President were among the VIPs who couldn’t resist trying out our VR experiences.

The Luderitz Crayfish Festival wasn’t just about showcasing technology; it was about igniting dreams. Local school students came to our stall, many wide-eyed with wonder. Some came simply to experience the VR games, but for others, it was a turning point.

As they explored virtual landscapes  challenges, a spark ignited in their eyes. They saw the possibilities that NUST could offer – a world where education wasn’t just textbooks and lectures, but a place where learning was an immersive adventure.

I also had the privilege of one-on-one sessions with these curious students. It wasn’t just about answering questions about NUST; it was about sparking a dream or two. We talked about their interests, their aspirations, and how NUST could help them achieve them.

Seeing their faces light up as they envisioned themselves as future scientists, engineers, or artists at NUST was incredibly rewarding.

The Luderitz Crayfish Festival, is annual event held since 2008, is a vibrant celebration of the town’s rich culture and heritage. It offers a diverse mix of activities – from mouthwatering seafood displays and traditional cuisine to captivating entertainment, stylish fashion shows, and bustling corporate events.

This year, NUST brought a touch of the future to the festival, showcasing the potential of virtual reality to educate, entertain, and spark curiosity. It was an experience that left many festival-goers with a sense of wonder and a glimpse into a world of new possibilities.