Completed Student Projects

Localising Technical Hydroponics Concepts for Otjisa: A Software-Enabled Descriptive Translation Approach

editor_ikt — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:16:50 +0000

Localising Technical Hydroponics Concepts for Otjisa: A Software-Enabled Descriptive Translation Approach editor_ikt Mon, 03/23/2026 - 13:16

The UNESCO Chair in Digital Technology Design with the Indigenous People cluster has worked with the Ovahimba community in Otjisa for many years to support community development through the co-design of technology and the introduction of emerging innovations. One such initiative involved a hydroponics system aimed at enhancing food and crop production. However, many technical hydroponics concepts do not have direct Otjiherero equivalents, making it challenging to teach community members how hydroponics works. Explaining concepts such as the nutrient film technique or pH levels becomes particularly difficult when the necessary terminology does not exist in the local language.

This qualitative research co-designed, developed, and evaluated a prototype community-based translation-support tool. The tool uses a two-stage Natural Language Processing pipeline consisting of a semantic simplification module for rephrasing English hydroponics concepts into clear, layman's English, and a translation module that renders these outputs into Otjiherero descriptions using descriptive translation strategies. The study employed Participatory Action Research methods, including participant observation, focus group discussions, role-play exercises, and technology probes with community members and researchers to co-design the mobile prototype.

Evaluation was conducted through thematic analysis and intrinsic metrics such as BLEU (0.5757) and METEOR (0.6237). The analysis revealed six interrelated themes, including Negotiating Meaning Across Languages and Culturally Embedded Teaching Practices. The resulting community translation-support tool displays a hydroponics-related image alongside a description generated by the system, when the image is tapped, a text-to-speech feature reads the Otjiherero description aloud to accommodate users with limited literacy. Findings confirmed the tool's utility for local learning while identifying a need for improved Text-to-Speech (TTS) pronunciation and grammatical accuracy in future iterations.

Completed Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Frans Nekongo

Principal Supervisor : -- Dr. Gereon Koch Kapuire, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Co-Supervisor : -- Ms. Sarina Till, University of Cape Town

Second Co-Supervisor : -- Ms. Shwele Phulu, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Culturally Informed Colour Coding in Virtual Reality:Preserving ovaHimba Heritage

editor_ikt — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:37:54 +0000

Culturally Informed Colour Coding in Virtual Reality:Preserving ovaHimba Heritage editor_ikt Thu, 03/19/2026 - 12:37

This study explored how culturally grounded colour representations could be implemented in Virtual Reality (VR) environments to preserve OvaHimba heritage. Community feedback and validation sessions were conducted to select culturally meaningful colours for VR cultural heritage presentations. Based on a related study that determined digital colour codes with members of an OvaHimba community, a VR scenario was developed. Feedback was collected through in-VR and post-VR interviews, and thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns across participants’ responses. The analysis revealed four major themes: colour representation, realism and authenticity, cultural significance, and overall user experience. The study concludes that iterative community engagement and validation are essential in achieving culturally agreeable colour representations and lighting calibrations in VR. Further research is recommended to systematise indigenous community-guided colour coding in VR.

Completed Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Tjihimise Kaunatjike

Principal Supervisor : -- Prof. Heike Winschiers-Theophilus, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Project Gallery

Assessing Observational learning from non player characters in cultural virtual reality environments

editor_ikt — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:27:17 +0000

Assessing Observational learning from non player characters in cultural virtual reality environments editor_ikt Thu, 03/19/2026 - 12:27

This study explores the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as a tool for supporting Indigenous Knowledge transmission through observational learning. Focusing on the traditional Hi//Ka//Kusi dance, a VR prototype was developed and tested with Grade 5 and 6 learners to assess whether children could learn culturally grounded movements by observing Non-Player Characters (NPCs). Using a mixed-methods approach, including video-based kinematic analysis and post-session interviews, the study examined imitation accuracy, rhythm, engagement, and task understanding. Findings indicate that longer observation periods were associated with improved movement accuracy and stronger replication of rhythmic and embodied actions. While joint-level precision varied, most participants captured the intent and sequence of the dance movements. In-person follow-up sessions suggested successful transfer of learning from the virtual to the physical environment. The study concludes that observational learning VR can effectively support embodied cultural learning when intentionally designed to align with Indigenous pedagogical practices.

Completed Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Shali Kandjibi

Principal Supervisor : -- Prof. Heike Winschiers-Theophilus, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Co-Supervisor : -- Selma Auala, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Development of student-defined gestures for Non-player-Characters’ Interactions in cultural learning Virtual Reality

editor_ikt — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:15:15 +0000

Development of student-defined gestures for Non-player-Characters’ Interactions in cultural learning Virtual Reality editor_ikt Thu, 03/19/2026 - 12:15

Virtual Reality (VR) offers a transformative platform for preserving and transmitting Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in Namibia by providing immersive, interactive cultural learning experiences. This study explored the design and implementation of gesture-based interactions with Non-Player Characters (NPCs) in a VR application tailored for primary school students aged 11 to 13. Drawing on learners' preferences for natural, user-initiated interactions, the study elicited commonly used peer gestures, implemented them in a VR experience, and evaluated their perceived naturalness and technical feasibility. The research addressed the need for culturally responsive, child-centred interaction design in VR, emphasising gesture control of NPCs. Findings from this study showed that learners consistently relied on gestures that aligned with their natural, everyday communicative habits, resulting in clear consensus across the elicited gesture sets. However, the implementation highlighted limitations in Unity's XR Hands plugin, where restricted arm and motion tracking prevented certain gestures, particularly high-amplitude movements and those involving additional body parts such as the arms, from being fully supported.

Completed Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Peter Albert Van Wyk

Principal Supervisor : -- Prof. Heike Winschiers-Theophilus, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Co- Supervisor : -- Selma Auala, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Developing Persuasive AI Technologies to Build Resilience in San Children to Reduce School Dropouts in Namibia

editor_ikt — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:38:33 +0000

Developing Persuasive AI Technologies to Build Resilience in San Children to Reduce School Dropouts in Namibia editor_ikt Thu, 08/01/2024 - 11:38

Namibia faces a significant challenge in addressing high school dropout rates, particularly among learners from low-income families and rural areas. The lack of access to quality education, resources, and support structures contributes to this issue, leading to substantial barriers to educational success for these learners. As a result, these vulnerable students struggle to develop essential skills and resilience, which are crucial for their academic and personal success. The findings of this study will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the transformative potential of AI technologies in education, particularly in the context of supporting at-risk learners. By providing targeted and actionable insights, the research aims to inform policymakers, educators, and stakeholders on the effective integration of persuasive AI technologies into Namibian schools' curriculum and support structures. Ultimately, this study serves as a catalyst for promoting educational equi and inclusivity, empowering high-risk school dropout learners to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Completed Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Cassius Guiob

Principal Supervisor : -- Mrs. Rosetha Kays, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Development of a web based system to preserve the wisdom the Ju/'Hoansi Community of Namibia

editor_ikt — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:26:14 +0000

Development of a web based system to preserve the wisdom the Ju/'Hoansi Community of Namibia editor_ikt Thu, 08/01/2024 - 11:26

Languages are dying at a very alarming rate, Namibia is not immune to this particular phenomenon. Measures to preserve culture and traditions are slowly starting to mitigate the disappearance of culture and traditions however the languages are not a main focal point. Hence a challenge stands out sternly when it comes to reaching non English speaking individuals in their native language. To address this worrisome issue, the study that is going to be dealt with seeks to preserve the Wisdom of the Ju/'Hoansi community. It is expedient that we use the technology that currently exists in the current age to build a web based system to capture, understand and output this part of the language. With an aim to hold at bay the fast paced disappearance of languages and after the preservation of the Wisdom, it can be further taken to the other areas of the language and then over to other languages so as to preserve all the Namibian languages. This research will then contribute to a larger section of knowledge that seeks to build resilience in high-risk school dropouts in Namibia. The study seeks to produce usable phrases which can be used in to build resilience in the San Community of Namibia.

Completed Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Varde Simaneka

Principal Supervisor : -- Mrs. Rosetha Kays, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Aid from above: drones for sustainable agriculture in Otjisa rural community

editor_ikt — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:10:23 +0000

Aid from above: drones for sustainable agriculture in Otjisa rural community editor_ikt Wed, 07/31/2024 - 15:10

Otjisa, a rural community in the Kunene region of Namibia, has continually challenging agricultural conditions due to irregular rainfall and low soil quality, which negatively affects livelihoods and food security. The inadequacy of conventional farming practices has made innovative alternatives essential to improve agricultural productivity. By enhancing field analysis, irrigation management, and overall agricultural sustainability, this study suggests using drone technology to address these problems. Focus groups and community-based co design techniques will be used in this qualitative research study to involve community members in the development of drone applications that are customised to Otjisa's unique requirements. The data will be gathered and narratively analysed to assess the technical feasibility of drone deployment in local farming operations within Otjisa. By encouraging sustainable farming and strengthening community resilience, the project seeks to close the gap between conventional agricultural methods and modern technology. This research has significance because it could provide a scalable model for other areas with comparable agricultural problems, supporting larger initiatives in rural development and sustainable agriculture.

Completed Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Reime Cloete

Principal Supervisor : -- Dr. Gereon Koch Kapuire, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Creation of Culturally-Validated 3D Mopane Trees with generative AI models

editor_ikt — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 14:27:52 +0000

Creation of Culturally-Validated 3D Mopane Trees with generative AI models editor_ikt Sun, 06/16/2024 - 16:27

This research explores the application of AI models trained on 2D images to generate 3D models of Mopane trees that are not only high quality but also culturally accurate.

Completed Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Keith Craig van Niekerk

Principal Supervisor : -- Prof. Heike Winschiers-Theophilus, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Co-designing an Immersive Virtual Reality Cultural Learning Experience with an OvaHimba Community for Primary Learners

editor_ikt — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 09:59:28 +0000

Co-designing an Immersive Virtual Reality Cultural Learning Experience with an OvaHimba Community for Primary Learners editor_ikt Mon, 06/03/2024 - 11:59

The project focuses on the OvaHimba, pastoral nomads in Namibia's Kunene region. Using a narrative co-designed by the OvaHimba community in Otjisa, the project uses VR technology to recreate the process of building a grain storage unit. The project is also being co-designed with and for primary school children.

Completed Student Projects

Masters Projects

Programme information

Kaulyaalalwa Peter

Principal Supervisor : -- Prof. Heike Winschiers-Theophilus, Namibia University of Science and Technology

Co-Designing a Virtual Reality Game to Promote OvaHimba Traditional Attire

editor_ikt — Mon, 13 May 2024 10:33:11 +0000

Co-Designing a Virtual Reality Game to Promote OvaHimba Traditional Attire editor_ikt Mon, 05/13/2024 - 12:33

This study explores the co-design of a Virtual Reality (VR) game aimed at promoting the traditional attire of the Ovahimba community. The research addresses the decline in the wearing of traditional attire among the Ovahimba youth due to factors such as formal education, societal stigma, and limited resources, which threaten the cultural identity of the Ovahimba. The study's objectives include discovering the underlying reasons for the decline in traditional attire among youth, reviewing past literature on efforts to promote traditional attire, and using virtual reality to co-design an educational game that encourages wearing traditional attire. The VR game aims to preserve traditional knowledge, educating Ovahimba youth on the cultural significance of attire and addressing the public misrepresentation of their culture. A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach was employed, involving focus group discussions, narrative analysis, and iterative development cycles with Ovahimba youth, elders, and key community members. Through these methods, a VR educational game was co-designed, enabling players to interactively dress a 3D model according to cultural guidelines for life events such as marriage and widowhood. The game combines immersive gameplay, cultural narratives, and community-validated design to foster cultural pride, correct public misrepresentation, and engage the youth in preserving their heritage. This innovative approach highlights the potential of VR as a tool for cultural preservation and education.

Completed Student Projects

Honors Projects

Programme information

Laurinda Ndjao

Principal Supervisor : -- Dr. Gereon Koch Kapuire, Namibia University of Science and Technology