The Bankers Association of Namibia (BAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education and skills development by donating N$100,000 to the University of Namibia (UNAM) at the 2nd Annual Chancellor’s Charity Gala Dinner, held on Friday, 1 August 2025 at the Windhoek Country Club Resort.
The Gala, hosted by the UNAM Foundation under the theme “One University, Every Ability”, brought together national leaders, diplomats, corporate partners, and civil society to raise funds for infrastructure and services that support differently abled students across UNAM’s 12 campuses.
Speaking after the event, the CEO of BAN and Chairman of the UNAM Foundation Board of Trustees, Dantagos Naomi Jimmy, said “BAN believes that anyone can be a future banker, and that begins with ensuring every Namibian has access to quality education, regardless of ability. Our donation is a step towards removing barriers and unlocking potential. We are proud to stand with UNAM in building a future where inclusion is not an exception, but the rule.”
The N$100,000 donation will be directed towards essential funds to ensure that assistive technologies, accessible learning environments, and inclusive infrastructure, in alignment with UNAM’s Integrated Strategic Business Plan (2025–2030), which prioritises access, equity, and innovation in higher education.
Investments into these important areas are the “fundamental building blocks of academic participation,” explains Dantagos Jimmy.
UNAM Vice Chancellor and Patron of the UNAM Foundation, Professor Dr Kenneth Matengu, highlighted the urgent need for sustained investment in inclusive education, noting that while progress has been made, challenges remain. In 2024, the number of students with special needs enrolled at UNAM dropped significantly, by 60%, which underscores the importance of targeted support.
“Our Constitution promises equality for all, but that promise only becomes real when every young person, including those with special needs are afforded the opportunity to study, graduate, and lead without barriers,” says Professor Matengu.
BAN’s participation in the Gala included hosting a table of invited stakeholders from across the financial and development sectors, reinforcing the Association’s role in convening partners around shared national priorities.
This is in line with Professor Matengu’s call for more awareness and acceptance of students with special needs as the association is aiding in destigmatizing the perception of the term special needs as well as creating awareness that having a special need is no different to any other challenge.
Simultaneously, BAN views its donation as part of a broader strategy to address skills gaps and promote economic participation for all Namibians.