My name is Monika Amunyela, and I am an aspiring field epidemiologist with a dream of owning a traditional restaurant that serves unique Namibian dishes.

I grew up in a large traditional household with over 20 family members, and at times, we faced challenges with food scarcity and limited ingredients compared to other households. This experience taught me to appreciate the value of simple ingredients and to create delicious meals with what we had.

My grandmother, an excellent cook, taught me how to prepare some of our indigenous meals. Despite her old age, I believe she still possesses her culinary talents, and she has inspired me to carry on her legacy. Oshiwambo chicken in marula nut sauce and marula oil has been my favourite dish since childhood, and I cherish it as no meal compares to its flavour.

My dream is to own a restaurant where I can cook and serve Namibians, as well as visitors from abroad, the flavourful delicacies of our country. In doing so, I also hope to create employment opportunities for the youth.