The History of Nursing In Namibia Trade Title

In this book, professor Agnes van Dyk has diligently researched the history of nursing in Namibia, and come up with a book which most fairly reflects the true events. Namibians have not been denied the credit due to them. It is not difficult to realise that many factors and forces impinged on this stormy history. Some forces were overtly creative, others covertly destructive and yet others largely indifferent. Knowledge of the past greatly helps to understand the present and to engage the future with realism. The analysis of the nursing education process and the reflection on the problems of service provision will greatly contribute to the definition of the true Namibian identity upon which loyalty will be based. At the same time the broader regional and international perspectives cannot be ignored. Namibia only recently became independent, with nation building, reconciliation and affirmative action becoming practical realities vividly portrayed In this regard insight into the essential components of nursing is provided as well as the inspiration to better service provision and development. Many are challenged to make individual as well as collective contributions to nursing. Clearly, the author deserves to be congratulated for taking the initiative to address the previously wounded history of nursing in Namibia. Indeed a very beautiful tree of history was planted in a fertile soil. Nurses should take up the challenge to be active participants in their honourable profession rather than passive observers. Through this book other profession will understand and recognise the true identity of nurses as indespensible natural partners in health care and development.